A Real Living Contact with the Things Themselves (Paperback)

Paperback. Contemporary architectural criticism tends to focus on the theories and concepts behind buildings. Yet there is much to be learned by venturing beyond the library walls to contemplate the real buildingsthe things themselves. This urge for real living contact is the impetus behind this new and exhilarating collection of essays by renowned British architectural critic and scholar Irenee Scalbert. A Real Living Contact with theThings Themselves selects nine essays written throughout the Scalberts career from the early 1990s to the present. Four of the essays are detailed studies of major buildings, including both critiques written at the time the buildings were made and comments on extant buildings that contributed to their rediscovery. Other pieces represent broader studies of historical movements and ideas, interpreting their significance within the context of contemporary architecture. All of the essays are based on direct experience, whether through quiet contemplation or candid interviews with architects, builders, or inhabitants. An architect by training, Scalbert writes with the purpose of illuminating the design efforts made and enriching the form of the architectures he describes, and his essays thus contribute to many key moments in the architectural history of the past three decades. Scalberts incisive and boldly original criticismtogether with a wealth of illustrationsmake this a book an enlightening read for architects and architectural students or anyone with an appreciation of this important voice in architectural criticism. This new book focuses on 'Features' - a selection of nine essays by renowned British architectural critic and scholar Irenee Scalbert, comprising detailed studies of major buildings and pieces that represent broader studies of historical movements and ideas. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…