Recovering America : A More Gentle Way to Build

by Malcolm Wells

Malcolm Wells is one of a kind. A pioneer and a legend in ecological building circles, he has created a unique and intimate portrait of architecture in America that will open your eyes to the absurdity of current trends in building.This is a quirky but appealing volume, hand-lettered by the author and filled with color photography and the author's original water colors, all for $9.95! (The low price is made possible by support from the Graham Foundation, who want the author's vision distributed as widely as possible.) In the author's words, "We look at architecture the wrong way: sideways. To see architecture fully you must tip it up, stand it on its edge. When you do, you always see dead land on display".

The author' solution is to portray America from the air, showing how it is and how it might be. We have bankrupted our landscape. Wells's vision is to literally "recover" America (and indeed the world) by designing buildings that can be covered with earth and then beautifully landscaped. he does not advocate living in holes in the ground, but rather designing structures that do not disrupt the precious skin of the planet.

As radical as are Wells's views, they make tremendous sense in terms of energy conservation, resource reduction, and aesthetics. This thoroughly engaging book will interest city planners, builders, architects, students, or anyone interested in a different vision of our national landscape.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Environment

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1999

About the author

Malcolm Wells was an American architect called "the father of modern earth-sheltered architecture."

Reviews

[Liz Neves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I discovered the wonderful work of Malcolm Wells. I only wish I had found him before he died.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down once I started it ... cool, little book. Loved page 42: "The rules of life never change: 1. People can't draw energy directly from sunlight. 2. Plants can. 3. Plants can't live underground. 4. We can." I don't think #1 is necessarily true but I agree too much of our landscape is covered with asphalt and in need of a green cover. Living underground sounds and looks much better than I had imagined.

[Zacharry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, once for the optimistic and starry-eyed, is a harrowing read 25 years later. It is unfortunate I've only now discovered Malcolm Wells and his work, some 15 odd years after his death, but this book, and others I've found of him, have had a profound effect on me. The turn of the millennium must have had such a refreshing feeling to it (for those not worried about Y2K), and a glint of hope for the better, greener future that was to come.

Instead, the first quarter of the new century will conclude with the greatest wealth inequality the world has ever seen, more climate change disasters by the month, and the President of the United States, a billionaire reality TV host, demolishing parts of the White House to make room for gold accents and a gaudy ballroom.

I'm sorry, Mr Wells. Hopefully the next 25 years holds something better.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderful book written by a goofy and intelligent man. I happened to pick it up at a used book store and was instantly charmed. I hope to continue the work he started and help see parts of his dream realized. Thank you Malcolm.

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome thesis project, and a lovely, tactile read.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book when I was taking a Green Roofs class. It's an inspiring book -- even though our architecture may never get to the eco-friendly point in Malcolm Wells' drawings, this book is a nice reminder of the philosophy of sustainability. I bought the book through Mr. Wells' website, which required me to mail in a check with my order. I got a nice letter back from Mrs. Wells which I will always keep with my copy of the book. I wish I could have met him, and i appreciate his family keeping his ideas alive.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ideas in this book are simple and make so much sense!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Malcolm Wells. Love this book.