Architecture: The Groundbreaking Moments

by Isabel Kuhl

From the pyramids to the Guggenheim Museum, discover how these groundbreaking strucktures changed the course of architecture through the ages. Architecture evolves in response to man's technological advances and environmental demands. Driven by these developments, architects can be seen as the most innovative of artists. In twenty-five beautifully illustrated chapters, this volume for general readers and architecture lovers alike identifies the most important advancements in the field of architecture, and demonstrates how these innovations influenced the development of architecture. Chapters focus on topics such as monuments to the dead and places of worship; domes; pillars and arches; towers from Pisa to Eiffel; stadia and theaters; palaces and skyscrapers. Readers will learn about the introduction of glass, steel, iron, and concrete; how buildings express ideas; and the rediscovery of antiquity. Arranged chronologically, these chapters can be studied individually to deepen our understanding of particular aspects of architecture or as a whole-to appreciate the ever changing patterns of architectural advancement.

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2012

About the author

Isabel Kuhl is an art historian living in Cologne, Germany. Her books include Andy Warhol and Vincent van Gogh (both by Prestel).

Dr. Isabel Kuhl ist Kunsthistorikerin, freie Lektorin und Autorin, die schon zahlreiche Publikationen bei Prestel veröffentlicht hat. Sie lebt und arbeitet in Köln.

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Architecture: The Groundbreaking Moments is a coffee table book that isn't. And I mean that in a good way. Yes, it has a lot of very nice pictures, and yes, it is printed on high-quality paper. But I think that's the end of the comparison. Coffee table books are as much for looking at as learning from, and Architecture is not that.

This is a small (for a photo book), soft-covered reference book that speeds through thousands of years of western architecture in less than 200 pages. The coverage is, therefore, brisk and superficial, necessarily so. And there are some notable omissions. But given the space constraints, this book does as good a job as I've ever seen at covering its topic. Novices and armchair architects alike will learn a lot from this book, and it will forever be a handy reference.

This book is highly recommended for anyone looking for a reasonably priced, well-produced book on the topic.

[Cameron Reicheneker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned some interesting facts about Architecture, enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.