Many people think modernist architecture never flowered in California north of the San Fernando Valley. NorCalMod dispels that notion in a copiously illustrated history showcasing extraordinary examples of its proud contribution to the Bay Area and environs. As a style, modernist architecture was hotly debated in its day (why create modern structures where such distinctive Victorian and Arts and Crafts buildings already existed?) pulling heavyweights such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Lewis Mumford, and Walter Gropius into the fray. Ultimately, that existing "Bay Region Style" would remain the area's architectural hallmark, but not before hundreds of important modernist projects, many still standing yet unjustly neglected today, had been established. The remarkable photos in this book open our eyes to a long-lost chapter in the history of California architecture and make NorCalMod a volume to be enjoyed by those interested in California history and style as well as by architecture students and professionals.
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About the Author
Pierluigi Serraino is an architect, theorist, and writer. Trained in Rome and California, he is the author of several books, including Modernism Rediscovered . He lives in Berkeley, California.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Mark D. Macy
Format:Hardcover
This is an accessible, well-written and thoughtful book; a rarity in current architectural discourse.
Furthermore, it is handsomely designed and illustrated with beautiful archival photography.
Though it focuses on the seemingly narrow topic of the neglected/suppressed history of modern architecture in Northern California, its value is much broader.
More generally, it provides lucid insights into the mechanisms of architectural history and, by extension, the very nature by which we come to understand and appreciate our built environment in the present age.
Furthermore, it is handsomely designed and illustrated with beautiful archival photography.
Though it focuses on the seemingly narrow topic of the neglected/suppressed history of modern architecture in Northern California, its value is much broader.
More generally, it provides lucid insights into the mechanisms of architectural history and, by extension, the very nature by which we come to understand and appreciate our built environment in the present age.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Rob Keil
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This underappreciated topic finally gets the attention it deserves. Great photos, interviews, etc which are obviously the result of extensive research. Color photos would have been nice.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Mark Twain
Format:Hardcover
This is a gorgeous book filled with beautiful, precise black & white photos of great examples of modern architecture. Not all the photos are b&w, but the majority are, and their meticulous use of light to capture the essence of these pieces is just as much the point of the book as the modernist evolution in the northern half of California.
The balance of text & photos is good for an architecture book, with the text being more contextual, and less academic than a lot of architecture books which can end up with text that is too dry. There is also a good balance of residential vs. commercial architecture, with an emphasis on the former.
The balance of text & photos is good for an architecture book, with the text being more contextual, and less academic than a lot of architecture books which can end up with text that is too dry. There is also a good balance of residential vs. commercial architecture, with an emphasis on the former.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Love books that discuss Mid Century Architecture and have wanted this one for a while for my collection of Architecture books.
Published 3 months ago by Doug
4.0 out of 5 stars
Innovative architecture
I have enjoyed this book and keep it just lying around to browse at my leasure, I never get tired of just flipping through the book and discovering new things.
Published on March 27, 2010 by Z. Felton
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this book and I love Pierliugi
Fabulous book with a great amount of research and information by Pierluigi. Great writing and pictures. Read more
Published on May 6, 2009 by krispin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great buy, great book!
This is a great buy for this book. I absolutley love the pictures! This is one of my favorites.
Published on January 27, 2009 by 4 konijnen
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT BOOK
Surprisingly good book on SF Bay architecture and its influence on mid-century design throughout America. Read more
Published on September 8, 2008 by W. A. Lowry
5.0 out of 5 stars
NorCalMod
Great transaction! Book arrived in good time and exactly as described. Would definitely deal with again.
Published on December 28, 2007 by M. Blazier
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