World's Greatest Architect: Making, Meaning, and Network Culture (Mit Press) - Softcover

Mitchell, William J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0262633647 ISBN 13: 9780262633642

Publisher: MIT Press, 2008

Synopsis

Function and meaning in architecture and elsewhere, from tongue-in-cheek instructions for creating a surveillance state to reflections on the architecture of the potato chip.World's Greatest Architect: Making, Meaning, and Network Culture

Artifacts (including works of architecture) play dual roles; they simultaneously perform functions and carry meaning. Columns support roofs, but while the sturdy Tuscan and Doric types traditionally signify masculinity, the slim and elegant Ionic and Corinthian kinds read as feminine. Words are often inscribed on objects. (On a door: “push” or “pull.”) Today, information is digitally encoded (dematerialized) and displayed (rematerialized) to become part of many different objects, at one moment appearing on a laptop screen and at another, perhaps, on a building facade (as in Times Square). Well-designed artifacts succeed in being both useful and meaningful. In World's Greatest Architect, William Mitchell offers a series of snapshots―short essays and analyses―that examine the systems of function and meaning currently operating in our buildings, cities, and global networks.

In his writing, Mitchell makes connections that aren't necessarily obvious but are always illuminating, moving in one essay from Bush-Cheney's abuse of language to Robert Venturi's argument against rigid ideology and in favor of graceful pragmatism. He traces the evolution of Las Vegas from Sin/Sign City to family-friendly resort and residential real estate boomtown. A purchase of chips leads not only to a complementary purchase of beer but to thoughts of Eames chairs (like Pringles) and Gehry (fun to imitate with tortilla chips in refried beans). As for who the world's greatest architect might be, here's a hint: he's also the oldest.

About this title

About the Author:

William J. Mitchell was the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr., Professor of Architecture and Media Arts and Sciences and directed the Smart Cities research group at MIT's Media Lab.

Review:

Like the extraordinary Whole Earth Catalog of our youth, these brilliant essays create patterns of possibility that allow the reader to see and design one's personal connection between each essay. The allusions to various cultural icons and their views on topics ranging from maps and communication to modern culture and creativity make this book a must read for the hungry mind. World's Greatest Architect is incisively written and along with William Mitchell's other contributions, firmly establishes his place in the pantheon of learning professionals.

―Richard Saul Wurman

About this edition

• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0262633647
• ISBN 13: 9780262633642
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 146