Chambers for a Memory Palace (Paperback)

~ (Author), Charles W. Moore (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a "conversation in letters," two distinguished architects informally discuss architectural forms and embellishments in famous buildings and recent constructions. Here, a determined novice can learn how the concept of an axis affects the visual and structural presence of a building, as well as the impact of diverse domes, pillars, arches, terraces, courtyards and gardens. Each chapter (or, as they call it, "chamber") focuses on one theme, jumping between past and present, between Italian hill towns and San Francisco, between Spanish mosques and Disneyland. They discuss the Taj Mahal; the Hagia Sophia; mad Ludwig's castle, Neuschwanstein in Bavaria; the great Mosque at Cordoba; the Salk Institute in California; and an enormous number of other interesting structures, both familiar and lesser known. Illustrated throughout with deft sketches of the subjects discussed, the book is a prize for anyone fascinated by architecture. Moore, who died in 1993, was professor of architecture at the University of Texas; Lyndon is professor of architecture at UC Berkeley.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Offers as good an introduction to the way architects look at, and think about, the world as any I have read.... There are treasures enough in this chamber to delight anyone interested in architecture."
—Richard Weston, The Architects' Journal

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Product Details

• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (February 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262621053
• ISBN-13: 978-0262621052
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #599,961 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Design +, June 26, 2007

By	Patricia M. Jensen "constant reader" (Weston, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An interesting format for a discussion of design principles with beautiful pen and ink sketches. Imaginary letters written between two architects discussing well known and not so well known buildings that illustrate proportion, paths, angles and why they appeal to our eyes and hearts. Recommended by a designer whose course I took. A very pleasing book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Chambers..., September 24, 2009

By	L. Shotwell (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Interesting book, text for a class on "Placemaking" for architecture. Great Pictures! The authors write letters to each other about many different great places. It's also, notably, not all on western architecture, there are some awesome eastern places too.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book on Architect Fundamentals, July 1, 2009

By	Victoria Carmon "HLDR Techie" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is great. It looks at the why of design elements. It is easy to read and just about anyone can follow the ideas. If you are interested in looking into the what and why of architecture this is the book for you.