Items related to The Metropolis of Tomorrow
In 1916, New York City enacted zoning laws that mandated the building of “set-back” structures so that light and air would be more freely admitted into the streets below. This concept was first proposed by Louis Sullivan in his 1891 article, “The High-Building Question” (inspired by William Le Baron Jenney’s recently completed Manhattan Building in Chicago.) Hugh Ferriss (1889-1962), American draftsman and architect, studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis where the Beaux Arts school was favored. Early in his career he worked as a draftsman in the office of Cass Gilbert until he became a freelance delineator. In 1922, Ferris took part in a series of zoning envelope studies that sought to comply with the earlier city legislation. Such were the key ingredients that gave rise to the book at hand.
In The Metropolis of Tomorrow, 49 stunning illustrations depict towering structures, personal space, wide avenues, and rooftop parks — features that now exist in many innovative, densely populated urban landscapes. Ferriss uses metaphors from nature that lend his text a poetic quality. It is no wonder that the work inspired critics of the time to remark: “As a creative entity, as a symbol of the American spirit, it is superb” (Survey), and as “magically stirring as a prophecy” (Albert Guerard in Books).
With its eloquent commentary and powerful renderings, The Metropolis of Tomorrow is an indispensable resource for students, architects, and anyone else with an interest in American architecture.
In The Metropolis of Tomorrow, 49 stunning illustrations depict towering structures, personal space, wide avenues, and rooftop parks — features that now exist in many innovative, densely populated urban landscapes. Ferriss uses metaphors from nature that lend his text a poetic quality. It is no wonder that the work inspired critics of the time to remark: “As a creative entity, as a symbol of the American spirit, it is superb” (Survey), and as “magically stirring as a prophecy” (Albert Guerard in Books).
With its eloquent commentary and powerful renderings, The Metropolis of Tomorrow is an indispensable resource for students, architects, and anyone else with an interest in American architecture.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From Library Journal:
In this 1929 volume, Ferriss presented his vision of how he believes the cities of tomorrow (which now are those of today) would look. Ferriss's specialty was skyscrapers, and the 108 illustrations here feature monstrous buildings, many of which came to fruition. Though basically black-and-white drawings of buildings, the plates are often extremely beautiful.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review:
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Princeton Architectural Press should be applauded for rescuing this book and making it available to a wide audience. Scott Gutterman, Architectural Record
A book like this lives or dies by the quality of the drawings. And here Ferris's dark, chiaroscuro renderings retain their atmospheric impact. Howard Mansfield, Small Press
A book like this lives or dies by the quality of the drawings. And here Ferris's dark, chiaroscuro renderings retain their atmospheric impact. Howard Mansfield, Small Press
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherArchitectural Press
- Publication date1986
- ISBN 10 0851394043
- ISBN 13 9780851394046
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages176
- Rating
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