AIA GUIDE TO THE ARCHITECTURE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.

The new edition of this popular guide is a companion for tourists and residents alike--for anyone interested in contemporary Washington and its most important architectural landmarks. The book offers concise descriptions and photos of some of the city's most notable structures, including nearly 100 built since the mid-1970s. 400 photos. 17 maps.

Washington possesses a rich architectural heritage that spans well over two centuries. This guidebook, initially commissioned by the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1965 and last updated in 1974, provides a welcome introduction to the architecture of the nation's capital. Organized into 17 walking tours, over 450 structures are concisely described and professionally photographed. Some of the city's newer, mediocre buildings are given more attention than they deserve; the city's unfortunate penchant for constructing new buildings behind historic facades receives scant criticism; there are no photographs of building interiors; and buildings located outside of the district's boundaries (such as Dulles Airport) have been excluded from this edition. Despite these quibbles, this is a significant reference tool for Washingtonians that fills a major void.
H. Ward Jandl, National Park Svc., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.