Building Sights

Features a wide range of world famous buildings from the UK, Europe and the USA.

This book originated as a series of ten-minute programs for British television, each episode featuring an architect, artist, or celebrity holding forth on his or her favorite item in the built environment. After four years, the show continues to air. The bound version does not veer much from the video formula but for its static presentation. Most interesting are the objects selected as favorites: e.g., architect Sir Norman Foster is pictured atop the engine of a Boeing 747?"pure sculpture." More obvious choices include the Lloyds of London building wearing its ducts and plumbing unabashedly; the gleaming Chrysler buidling in New York; and the gaping, majestic Grand Central Terminal; but a variety of homes and factories and even a power station are also represented. The photography is excellent if typical architectural fare?bright blue skies and carefully calculated shadows?and succeeds especially with the many detail shots. However, without the television series to spur reader interest, the beauty and grace of this volume are something of a moot point. This coffee-table tribute will appeal to fans of Architectural Digest. Recommended for popular architecture collections.?Adam Mazmanian, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.