Customer Reviews

Robert A. M. Stern: Buildings and Projects 1987-1992

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Everyone has his or her own what-if scenarios and Mr. Robert A. M. Stern would play a central role in mine. For some people it's cars, or planes, houses, or paintings by the Old Masters. In my case the list is all of the above. So were I ever to make the Fortune 500, a home by one of the Greatest Architects would top the list.

This book covers a relatively short period of this Artist's career, specifically 1987-1992. It also happens to include many projects that were built in New England where I live. I had seen some of his work in person, and other examples in magazines, but it wasn't until I did some research that I found he was responsible for nearly all the projects I had so enjoyed. Many know one project in Massachusetts as Mr. Stern designed the Norman Rockwell Museum in the Berkshire Hills of Stockbridge. He also designed several buildings for Disney in Orlando, as well as numerous Colleges, and residences both urban and rural.

There is a fairly good chance his work is known to many readers because of some of the project's locales and the frequency that so many Americans visit them. While walking in a city with towers looming above it is often impossible to get far enough away to see what is blocking out the sun, this book solves that problem. And chances are Mr. Stern's work is not preventing the sun from reaching you, as his designs seem to belong where they are. His work and the surrounding areas accommodate each other as opposed to many Architects whose goal is to leave their mark. Once you become familiar with his work you will see the statements made by his buildings leave as strong an impression as any. Mr. Stern is a master designer, and his elegant, classically influenced work stands out because of what it is as opposed to how tall, how ostentatious, or how intrusive.

Even if you have never thought of picking up a book featuring the work of an Architect, I suggest if you do, this is a great place to start, and will not disappoint. His work is accessible; it is not the 15 minutes of fame trendy nonsense that is as silly and pretentious as it is transient.