Customer Reviews

American House Now: Contemporary Architectural Directions

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a refined collection. It demonstrates clearly that visions of architecture that aren't "homey" can still be exceedingly beautiful. If I were trying to convince someone to build a home that makes a lasting statement (and I am), this is the first book I would buy for them.

This small but delightful book discussed about the modern American architectural, not modern in terms of Classic Modernism but contemporary via fusion of Classic Modernism & Post Modernism. The author stressed that USA, being a relatively young country has a "can do" attitude, open minded & daring to explore new ideas. It also mentioned that America isn't obsessive or overzealous in the interpretation of architectural stylistic movements. Rather, it only takes what it needs, reminding me of Japanese doing the same thing to technology, that is refining existing technology to make it better. There are 24 buildings (all of them are for residential purpose) here signifying where USA is at in terms of modern architecture. Notes rather than essays are utilised to explain the buildings. The pictures do most the talking in this instance. Notable architects are Stephen Holl (deriving his work via America's literary content), Richard Meier, Antoine Predock, Owen Moss, Arquitectonica, RoTo, Carlos Zapata, Morphosis, John Lautner, & so forth. The choosing of the works here should be of a subjective rather than objective nature because there are other architects which I believe do fit the bill in creating the so-called American architectural but have been overlooked such as Frank Gehry (his Californian style despite his Canadian origin), Ricardo Legoretta (the latest AIA Gold Medal laureate), Philip Johnson, etc. Still, this is a wonderful book to look thru.

This book, the earlier and superior companion to "European House Now," is an excellent introduction to the various modalities of modern architecture in America. Beginning with the thoughtful introduction, Doubilet and Boles showcase some truly stunning American homes, demonstrating the lasting value and societal insights that mark great architecture.

Without question the greatest architect featured in the book is the master of overlapping pure geometric shapes and planes, Richard Meier. Perhaps his greatest work is his stunning Grotta House, which just might win my vote for most beautiful private residence in the US. He is also featured in a piece of earlier work, the Hoffman House, which has since been modified by two of his proteges. Also interesting for its geometry, but more for its combination of materials is the Pacific Palisades House by Charles Gwathmey. Of great geometric interest are the Dan House by the brilliant Franklin Israel, and the stunning Lawson/Westen House by the genius of geometric manipulation, Eric Owen Moss. These homes are national treasures, are well illustrated here, and are also well explained by the enlightening text.

There are a couple of clunkers in the mix as well, namely the horrid deconstructivist monstrosity on Martha's Vineyard by Steven Holl. After looking at the illustrations and grasping that he was inspired by ancient use of whale bones as a building method, I appreciated why nobody builds houses from whale bones anymore. The Knee Residence finished in large maroon panels and small windows appears more like a prison than a single family home. Although I actually do appreciate the intriguing structural techniques used in these two homes, I cannot appreciate their lack of aesthetic refinement.

My only critique of the book as a whole is that the house plans are extremely small and difficult to read. This is a minor complaint, as overall I think this book, like the homes it illustrates, is a masterpiece.

CONTENTS (1997 EDITION)
6 INTRODCTION: SUSAN DOUBILET DARALICE BOLES
14 GWATHMEY SIEGEL & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS: PACIFIC PALISADES RESIDENCE
26 MACK ARCHITECTS: STREMMEL HOUSE
36 HARIRI & HARIRI: BARRYÆS BAY COTTAGE
44 DONALD McKAY AND COMPANY: PARK ROAD HOUSE
54 FERNAU & HARTMAN ARCHITECTS COLLECTIVE HOUSING
62 CARLOS ZAPATA DESIGN STUDIO: LANDES HOUSE
72 RoTo ARCHITECTS: TEIGER HOUSE
82 CLARK & MENEFEE ARCHITECTS: CROFFEAD HOUSE
90 SCOGIN ELAM AND BRAY ARCHITECTS: MOUNTAIN HOUSE
100 ISRAEL CALLAS SHORTRIDGE ASSOCIATES: DAN HOUSE
110 ANTOINE PREDOCK ARCHITECT: WHITE RESIDENCE
120 UKZ DESIGN: NEE RESIDENCE
128 ERIC OWEN MOSS ARCHITECTS: LAWSON/WESTEN HOUSE
136 RICHARD MEIER & PARTNERS, ARCHITECTS: GROTTA HOUSE
148 MORPHOSIS: BLADES RESIDENCE
160 MACHADO AND SILVETTI ASSOCIATES: CONCORD HOUSE
170 KONING EIZENBERG ARCHITECTURE: 31ST STREET HOUSE
176 KONING EIZENBERG ARCHITECTURE: TARZANA HOUSE
184 STAMBERG AFERIAT ARCHITECTURE: HOFFMAN HOUSE
194 THE STANLEY SAITOWITZ OFFICE: SEADRIFT LAGOON HOUSE
200 ARQUITECTONICA INTERNATIONAL: CASA LOS ANDES
208 STEVEN HOLL ARCHITECTS: BERKOWITZ-ODGIS HOUSE
216 STEVEN HOLL ARCHITECTS: MAKUHARI HOUSING
226 JOHN LAUTNER ARCHITECT: GOLDSTEIN RESIDENCE
236 PROJECT/PHOT0GRAPHY CREDITS

This book is what I would call a 'flip through' book. You pick it up, browse through it, & put it down again. The book lacks depth & detail so isn't useful for designers nor those generally interested in architecture.

Works by outstanding firms from the Pacific Northwest are totally omitted. (Miller/Hull, Cutler, Olson Sundberg Kundig and Allen...anyone?) An otherwise fine book.

It's one of those books that it's better buy two copies. One to keep safe on a bookshelf. The other to use, read and carry along wherever you go, until it desintegrates. And the size is 5 stars too.

I wouldn't change a thing. Very well designed.

This book is smaller than I thought, I thought it was going to be like a coffee table book. no it is like 7 inches tall, or maby I am getting bigger like in that movie where the guy gets big after drinking that stuff. I dont know.