Customer Reviews

Architecture and Interior Design from the 19th Century, Volume II

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06-23-08

Book Review

Pearson/Prentice Hall

ISBN 13-0-13-098538-5

What a joy is was to open Architecture and Interior Design from the 19th Century; An Integrated History, Volume 2. Once I looked at the Table of Contents, I knew I was in for serious studies of Design History, from the Industrial Revolution to the Present.

(Volume 1 covers the same material from the earliest cultural precedents to the 18th Century)

What I was not prepared for was the depth of information contained on each page. This is a truly important work and a "must have" for serious professional libraries.

Professors Buie Harwood, Bridget May and Curt Sherman have undertaken an enormous challenge and have outdone themselves, again.

Each Chapter offers a comprehensive review of the subject period, beginning with the Historic and Social climate of the times. Concepts are thoroughly outlined and the Design Characteristics explained and illustrated. Architecture is examined and highlighted with both Public and Private Buildings shown and noted with numerous details. Interiors, Furnishings and Decorative Arts are also examined with the kind of depth and insight that makes me want to visit or re-visit every site and museum listed.

Numerous important quotes are part of each chapter and offer glimpses of the impact of each design period in daily life. There are plenty of fine photographs, and many, many detailed illustrations. The Graphics and use of color are beautiful.

There are also wonderful examples and discussions of art, architecture, interior and exterior elements as well as comparative analysis with current designs. Each section also includes a listing of important Design Practitioners, Treatise, Buildings and Interiors as well as a Design Spotlight that highlights the key elements of each design period. References and Cross-references abound.

Timelines are also included for design periods as well as an interesting chronology of the evolution of the professions of Architecture and Interior Design.

At around a thousand pages (and a bonus CD), the depth of this volume is fabulous. Concurrent design styles are addressed fully with rich examples of signature elements and motifs covering a full page, in many cases. For example there are (12) twelve full pages on De Stijl alone and (22) Twenty-Two pages on the Chicago School with (77) seventy-seven photographs and numerous illustrations and plates. Environmental Modern is distilled to (36) thirty-six pages of wonderful photographs and rich descriptive text.

[...]

David K. Sargert, LEED AP

Mr. Sargert's Award Winning Designs have been published internationally for over 30 years.

He consults on Fine Design, Sustainability and Professional Practice from his studios in Taos, New Mexico. [...]