Building Stata: The Design and Construction of Frank O. Gehry's Stata Center at MIT [Paperback]

Nancy Joyce (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0262600617 | ISBN-13: 978-0262600613 | Publication Date: April 20, 2004

This stunning, lavishly illustrated book chronicles the entire planning and construction process of the Frank Gehry-designed Ray and Maria Stata Center at MIT. Taking us from the historical background and architectural context at MIT through the interaction of the clients' needs and the architect's vision to the choice of building materials and construction methods, Building Stata offers a uniquely detailed look at the evolution of a major work by a master architect.The purpose of the Stata Center is to bring the "intelligence sciences"--computer science, artificial intelligence, information and decision systems, linguistics, and philosophy--together into a space that emphasizes research-focused collaboration. Frank Gehry's design integrates flexible and interconnected workspaces and incorporates a series of steps from public to private space, with places for social and intellectual interaction on lower levels giving way to space for study and contemplation on the upper floors; thus a two-level warehouse-like space is topped by two towers. The Center is wrapped around a series of outdoor terraces visible from a central court in both towers. The characteristic Gehry curves are clad in metal, the more block-like elements in brick.The architectural drawings and photographs -- 300 of them in color -- in Building Stata document the making of the Stata Center from concept to concrete reality. The photographs by Richard Sobol portray a work in progress, evoking the beauty of its architectural form and capturing the telling detail -- the building's sculptured shape against a clear blue sky, or construction workers perched on a massive curve of metal.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating study of a fantastic building." Edgar Allen Beem Photo District News

About the Author

Richard Sobol is a Boston-based photographer whose work has appeared in National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, Outside, and many other publications.

Nancy Joyce is MIT Project Director for the Stata Center and coauthor, with Frederick E. Gould, of Construction Project Management.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (April 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262600617
• ISBN-13: 978-0262600613
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 11.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars extremely helpful, December 31, 2008

By 

Gildon D. Stillings "Sparky" (New England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Building Stata: The Design and Construction of Frank O. Gehry's Stata Center at MIT (Paperback)

This is a must read for anyone who is interested in the process of design and construction of one of the most talented and challenging architects of the modern era. Nancy Joyce is able to take Gehry's ideas and shepherd them to reality - working with the folks "on the ground" who make it happen. I recommend this book to those who aspire to serve as a bridge between a genius and the blue collar folks who actually create the vision; not an easy task. But Nancy Joyce is a master, and this book is a very useful guide.