The Architecture of Happiness
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- ISBN13: 9780307277244
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
The Achitecture of Happiness is a dazzling and generously illustrated journey through the philosophy and psychology of architecture and the quick tie between our identities and our locations.
One of the fantastic but regularly unmentioned causes of both happiness and misery is the quality of our environment: the kinds of walls, chairs, buildings, and streets that surround us. And yet a concern for architecture is too regularly described as frivolous, even self-indulgent. Alain de Botton starts from the thought that where we are heavily influences who we can be, and argues that it is architecture’s task to stand as an eloquent reminder of our full potential.
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More a description than an attempt to clarify. An vital topic treated in an appealing manner.
Reader’s Rating: 3 / 5
This wonderful book delighted my imagination. I relished the descriptions, and I was saddened to come to the end.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5
How is it possible to write a book about architecture, most of it in the 20th century, and not mention Frank Lloyd Wright–even once? I guess you’d have to question De Botton, because certainly no one else writing about architecture has ignored a man who is arguably the most influential architect of the 20th century, and certainly one who’s had a greater effect on residential architecture than anyone else.
Much is said of Le Corbusier, and it’s refreshing to read that his Villa Savoy was a practical disaster that leaked worse than anything Wright ever was criticized for. And yet, De Botton still calls it gorgeous and writes rhapsodic of Corbu.
Corbu’s vision of cities has turned into a nightmare, which lead to many public housing buildings that are now being demolished. Wright’s vision of Broadacre City, while being overly optimistic about the automobile and not seeing the inevitable problems (though this view was common at the time), has helped envision the kind of suburbia that is enjoying increasing popularity around the world, even in China.
While the book does have some appealing points, an leader with a bias so strong as to snub the one architect who might affect our happiness at home is certainly suspect.
Reader’s Rating: 1 / 5
I bought this book for my son who just confirmed his major in college to be architecture. He has been reading it for a few days and when I questioned him if he liked it he said it was pretty excellent and that is excellent enough for me.
Reader’s Rating: 4 / 5
De Botton is primarily an essayist. His writing is clear and mature while, his musings on our feelings about architecture are charming. I would recommend the book if you have any interest in architecture at all.
Reader’s Rating: 4 / 5