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Our World in Ten Buildings: How Architecture Defines Who We Are and How We Live
From “tomorrow’s greatest designer” (The Atlantic), a personal and deeply researched look at how the choices we build into our environment reflect and determine the way we think, connect, and live.
We've been led to believe that purposefully designed spaces are something reserved only for those that can afford them. But in reality, all the spaces we inhabit—to work, to learn, to heal, and to live—have been planned and built to influence our lives. They sway our emotions, nudge our behaviors, protect us from disease, and do more, or less, to support shared prosperity and our sense of the common good.
Our World in Ten Buildings unpacks this hidden but ever more important element of our lived experience. As author and architectural designer Michael Murphy takes us through ten milestone projects in his career he lays bare the physical, political, and intellectual labor at work shaping the world we live in.
With rare insight, access, and passion, Murphy braids the history of architecture with his own iconic projects to show the power of urban design and how it revolutionizes our homes, minds, workplaces, safety, and health care. Profound, and accessible, Our World in Ten Buildings will change the way you look at and think about your surroundings.
We've been led to believe that purposefully designed spaces are something reserved only for those that can afford them. But in reality, all the spaces we inhabit—to work, to learn, to heal, and to live—have been planned and built to influence our lives. They sway our emotions, nudge our behaviors, protect us from disease, and do more, or less, to support shared prosperity and our sense of the common good.
Our World in Ten Buildings unpacks this hidden but ever more important element of our lived experience. As author and architectural designer Michael Murphy takes us through ten milestone projects in his career he lays bare the physical, political, and intellectual labor at work shaping the world we live in.
With rare insight, access, and passion, Murphy braids the history of architecture with his own iconic projects to show the power of urban design and how it revolutionizes our homes, minds, workplaces, safety, and health care. Profound, and accessible, Our World in Ten Buildings will change the way you look at and think about your surroundings.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 31, 2026
The book title and premise presents it as a thoughtful and informative book about our world around us and how it works together. Instead, we’re stuck with a self-centered autobiography about Michael’s personal journey through architecture and career.
In a nonstop-success-highlight reel that reads more like a résumé and cover letter than book, Micheal approaches each building in a formulaic way. Starts with how some person called him up to fly across the world because of his incredible knowledge, a brief, textbook-style explanation of the history of that type of building (which feels copied out of Wikipedia) and then how he and his team humbly did something incredible to save the world. Rinse and repeat.
This reads more like a LinkedIn post and thesis paper mixed together, than a book.
I have no problem with a self-centered, autobiographical book — but only wish I had known it was this before investing the time trying to learn about infrastructure and “our” world (not “Micheal’s”).
NOT READ THROUGH NETGALLEY.
Purchased the book myself under the premise of learning and being entertained
In a nonstop-success-highlight reel that reads more like a résumé and cover letter than book, Micheal approaches each building in a formulaic way. Starts with how some person called him up to fly across the world because of his incredible knowledge, a brief, textbook-style explanation of the history of that type of building (which feels copied out of Wikipedia) and then how he and his team humbly did something incredible to save the world. Rinse and repeat.
This reads more like a LinkedIn post and thesis paper mixed together, than a book.
I have no problem with a self-centered, autobiographical book — but only wish I had known it was this before investing the time trying to learn about infrastructure and “our” world (not “Micheal’s”).
NOT READ THROUGH NETGALLEY.
Purchased the book myself under the premise of learning and being entertained
September 8, 2026
Read this randomly because I saw it on the shelf of Elliot Bay Books. This was really really good. A non traditional public health book for sure. Loved the NY ties and Ithaca mention.
May 11, 2026
If you are expecting a run through of architecture from ancient times to the present, this book will surprise you. Murphy, a renowned architect, focuses on ten buildings that shaped how he sees building and the possibilities for building design to increase our quality of life in a variety of ways. From his childhood home which his father renovated over several decades to the design of schools of architecture he attended to the hospital he designed in rural Rwanda, two themes emerge repeatedly. One is that the human experience is shaped in part by the buildings we inhabit and use. Second, that by understanding that connection, architects can improve the human experience through their designs. I am interested in architecture but definitely not particularly well educated in the area and found the book engaging and readable. The edition I read did not include any images so I found it helpful to search images of the major buildings he described.
April 26, 2026
I vacillated between three and four stars. It’s not quite deep enough to live up to the premise of the title. It tries to tell far too many stories and ends up shortchanging the topics of several chapters. Is it worth a read? Maybe. But as it stands it’s the second draft of a book that really requires your drafts, and a more skilled editor would have better worked with the author to present a more complete and coherent story.
April 19, 2026
Michael Murphy's Our World in Ten Buildings: How Architecture Defines Who We Are and How We Live title is somewhat misleading. While 10 buildings serve as the chapter headings and frame for the narrative, it is much more focused on Murphy's life. His education and accomplishments as an architect and how he and his family addressed his father's cancer diagnosis and eventual death.
Chapters vary in length, but the first few are heavily biographical, discussing Murphy floating through life following different interests until his father's diagnosis brought him home. In Poughkeepsie, NY Murphy and his father worked together restoring and reworking the family home. This hands out sense of accomplishment leads Murphy to go back to school. From there it is a series of chapters focused on the different projects Murhpy was involved, often made possible through chance encounters or surprisingly successful direct approach.
And the projects are fascinating. In each chapter, Murphy describes the way he was able to connect with different figures and then work within the government, local stakeholders and artisans to design and build place specific and unique buildings. In doing so he frequently challenges standard means of operation or the default prefabricated constructions used so widely in the Western world. He often alludes to how our over reliance on technology like air conditioning or single purpose buildings have harmed society.
It has a strong argument and suggests what a better place many communities could be if they have both the time and investments to restructure or reverse the urban renewal campaign. However, much of the actual design and development feels like it is glossed over for the purposes of a more stream lined narrative.
Recommended to readers of social science, modern architecture or biographical nonfiction.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Chapters vary in length, but the first few are heavily biographical, discussing Murphy floating through life following different interests until his father's diagnosis brought him home. In Poughkeepsie, NY Murphy and his father worked together restoring and reworking the family home. This hands out sense of accomplishment leads Murphy to go back to school. From there it is a series of chapters focused on the different projects Murhpy was involved, often made possible through chance encounters or surprisingly successful direct approach.
And the projects are fascinating. In each chapter, Murphy describes the way he was able to connect with different figures and then work within the government, local stakeholders and artisans to design and build place specific and unique buildings. In doing so he frequently challenges standard means of operation or the default prefabricated constructions used so widely in the Western world. He often alludes to how our over reliance on technology like air conditioning or single purpose buildings have harmed society.
It has a strong argument and suggests what a better place many communities could be if they have both the time and investments to restructure or reverse the urban renewal campaign. However, much of the actual design and development feels like it is glossed over for the purposes of a more stream lined narrative.
Recommended to readers of social science, modern architecture or biographical nonfiction.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Our World in Ten Buildings by Michael Murphy
This book completely surprised me in the best way.
I went in expecting an architecture focused nonfiction and walked away with something that felt deeply human, reflective, and quietly powerful. Michael Murphy doesn’t just talk about buildings he talks about people, access, dignity, and what it means to design spaces that actually serve the lives lived inside them.
What I loved most is how personal this felt without ever becoming self indulgent. The book begins with Murphy as a young man helping his ailing father work on their home, and that thread carries through the entire narrative. Architecture here isn’t abstract or elite it’s intimate, political, and emotional. By the time he circles back to his father at the end, the mission of the book lands with real weight.
The chapters move through different types of buildings schools, hospitals, housing, civic spaces and show how design choices shape health, opportunity, safety, and community. It’s eye opening without being preachy and accessible even if you don’t know anything about architecture going in.
This is one of those nonfiction reads that quietly changes how you look at the world. After finishing it, I found myself noticing buildings differently and thinking more critically about who spaces are built for and who they leave out.
If you enjoy nonfiction that blends memoir, social justice, and big ideas while still feeling grounded and hopeful, this is absolutely worth your time.
#NonfictionReads #ArchitectureAndDesign #ThoughtProvokingBooks #Bookstagram #AdvancedReader @Atria
This book completely surprised me in the best way.
I went in expecting an architecture focused nonfiction and walked away with something that felt deeply human, reflective, and quietly powerful. Michael Murphy doesn’t just talk about buildings he talks about people, access, dignity, and what it means to design spaces that actually serve the lives lived inside them.
What I loved most is how personal this felt without ever becoming self indulgent. The book begins with Murphy as a young man helping his ailing father work on their home, and that thread carries through the entire narrative. Architecture here isn’t abstract or elite it’s intimate, political, and emotional. By the time he circles back to his father at the end, the mission of the book lands with real weight.
The chapters move through different types of buildings schools, hospitals, housing, civic spaces and show how design choices shape health, opportunity, safety, and community. It’s eye opening without being preachy and accessible even if you don’t know anything about architecture going in.
This is one of those nonfiction reads that quietly changes how you look at the world. After finishing it, I found myself noticing buildings differently and thinking more critically about who spaces are built for and who they leave out.
If you enjoy nonfiction that blends memoir, social justice, and big ideas while still feeling grounded and hopeful, this is absolutely worth your time.
#NonfictionReads #ArchitectureAndDesign #ThoughtProvokingBooks #Bookstagram #AdvancedReader @Atria
March 22, 2026
Review of an advance copy won through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I’m not an architect or city planner but have always been interested in both topics, particularly as my job sends me around the globe temporarily and for months at a time. I did appreciate learning a few new nuggets on both topics, but found the book’s combination of homage to the author’s father, memoirs of his own career, and history of his craft to be a forced and disjointed. It reminded me a bit of a college syllabus consisting of a variety of articles and chapters by different authors with different fields of study). I enjoyed the chapters that focused on architecture and planning (those centered on Poughkeepsie, NY) far more than those that used the veneer of architecture to present social commentary on justice reform and the slow food movement. I was also surprised to see Montgomery, AL held up as a success story; reading the “before” description of the city matched, in my opinion, the current situation there and I had never noticed any of the revitalization the author praises (in particular, the memorial there he holds up as tantamount to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC, to me feel completely flat before entering because of its tacky admission charge and entrance vestibule). I was impressed that the advance copy was clearly ready-to-market with no noted typos or spacing errors that some such books have. Those with more interest in social reforms or with career backgrounds in architecture or city planning may enjoy this more than I did, or I would suggest reading chapters on topics of particular interest rather than expecting to read the full book.
I’m not an architect or city planner but have always been interested in both topics, particularly as my job sends me around the globe temporarily and for months at a time. I did appreciate learning a few new nuggets on both topics, but found the book’s combination of homage to the author’s father, memoirs of his own career, and history of his craft to be a forced and disjointed. It reminded me a bit of a college syllabus consisting of a variety of articles and chapters by different authors with different fields of study). I enjoyed the chapters that focused on architecture and planning (those centered on Poughkeepsie, NY) far more than those that used the veneer of architecture to present social commentary on justice reform and the slow food movement. I was also surprised to see Montgomery, AL held up as a success story; reading the “before” description of the city matched, in my opinion, the current situation there and I had never noticed any of the revitalization the author praises (in particular, the memorial there he holds up as tantamount to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC, to me feel completely flat before entering because of its tacky admission charge and entrance vestibule). I was impressed that the advance copy was clearly ready-to-market with no noted typos or spacing errors that some such books have. Those with more interest in social reforms or with career backgrounds in architecture or city planning may enjoy this more than I did, or I would suggest reading chapters on topics of particular interest rather than expecting to read the full book.
September 1, 2026
started out really promising but fell victim to its grandiose title
i think the author did himself a disservice with the title, which makes you think it's going to be an in-depth, academic look at how the design of 10 buildings has developed over time in step with how our culture has changed. but it's 25% that and 75% a way to talk about his own projects, some of which i'm not sure if were actually built?
i did truly enjoy the early chapters on his work in Rwanda and thought this was going to be a 5 star read for how he writes about thinking through challenges and the importance of dignity in architecture. but then the Poughkeepsie chapter started to lose me, like it was supposed to be about urban renewal and the impact of the mall and then go into how he helped Poughkeepsie, but I'm not sure what he did beyond setting up an office and starting up some meetings? and then was anything actually built? we could've actually gone in on urban renewal and discussed some other architects' successful projects in-depth, instead of tacking on his 6 point plan
similar issues throughout, esp on the prison chapter (where he partnered with another org to build bookshelves, which are not pictured anywhere in the book). I should've guessed this might've been the case given the photo insert had multiple photos of the author with important people and could've used WAY more of his actual work
i think a true memoir actually would've been way more interesting but this book tried to do it all and didn't do any of it as well as it could have
i think the author did himself a disservice with the title, which makes you think it's going to be an in-depth, academic look at how the design of 10 buildings has developed over time in step with how our culture has changed. but it's 25% that and 75% a way to talk about his own projects, some of which i'm not sure if were actually built?
i did truly enjoy the early chapters on his work in Rwanda and thought this was going to be a 5 star read for how he writes about thinking through challenges and the importance of dignity in architecture. but then the Poughkeepsie chapter started to lose me, like it was supposed to be about urban renewal and the impact of the mall and then go into how he helped Poughkeepsie, but I'm not sure what he did beyond setting up an office and starting up some meetings? and then was anything actually built? we could've actually gone in on urban renewal and discussed some other architects' successful projects in-depth, instead of tacking on his 6 point plan
similar issues throughout, esp on the prison chapter (where he partnered with another org to build bookshelves, which are not pictured anywhere in the book). I should've guessed this might've been the case given the photo insert had multiple photos of the author with important people and could've used WAY more of his actual work
i think a true memoir actually would've been way more interesting but this book tried to do it all and didn't do any of it as well as it could have
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an amazing read that will have me looking at buildings in a new way!
Our World in Ten Buildings by Michael Murphy was a fascinating combination of memoir and architecture. It’s well-written, informative, and a passionate look at why architecture is significant in our lives, family, culture, and health.
The chapters were well-organized, and the heartfelt stories about his dad made the book a personal and connected read. These memories didn't just influence his career but also inspired his goal to improve buildings to better the world, which is reflected in his numerous humanitarian projects featured throughout the book. I also enjoyed learning new things about the buildings we walk past every day and how design choices shape our world. The added tidbits of philosophical discussions and the diagrams are a nice touch as well!
Overall, I enjoyed that this book is a perfect blend of genres, accessible to everyone, and serves a helpful purpose to make us aware of our surroundings and the buildings we occupy. I highly recommend it to everyone!
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC (advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Our World in Ten Buildings by Michael Murphy was a fascinating combination of memoir and architecture. It’s well-written, informative, and a passionate look at why architecture is significant in our lives, family, culture, and health.
The chapters were well-organized, and the heartfelt stories about his dad made the book a personal and connected read. These memories didn't just influence his career but also inspired his goal to improve buildings to better the world, which is reflected in his numerous humanitarian projects featured throughout the book. I also enjoyed learning new things about the buildings we walk past every day and how design choices shape our world. The added tidbits of philosophical discussions and the diagrams are a nice touch as well!
Overall, I enjoyed that this book is a perfect blend of genres, accessible to everyone, and serves a helpful purpose to make us aware of our surroundings and the buildings we occupy. I highly recommend it to everyone!
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC (advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a developer focused on culture, as a huge fan of architecture and architects, and as the author of Civil Sights — a book devoted to history — this book spoke directly to me, and if we share similar interests, I believe it will speak to you too.
What makes Our World in Ten Buildings special is not just that Michael P. Murphy has done the deep, impactful, and challenging work, but that this work has shaped his life — through the spaces and places he shares and the deeper questions he poses. Our World raises those questions and presents answers worth sitting with, about what it means to be human. I think of the book as an autobiography told through the biographies of buildings: a way to learn about Murphy and his practice while also learning about ourselves and reconsidering how we move through space, through time, and through life itself.
Read with the right eyes — and a pen for taking notes — this is an invitation to look at the built world through a new lens, to navigate space with fresh eyes, and to feel emboldened to make your own positive interventions in it.
I highly recommend it.
What makes Our World in Ten Buildings special is not just that Michael P. Murphy has done the deep, impactful, and challenging work, but that this work has shaped his life — through the spaces and places he shares and the deeper questions he poses. Our World raises those questions and presents answers worth sitting with, about what it means to be human. I think of the book as an autobiography told through the biographies of buildings: a way to learn about Murphy and his practice while also learning about ourselves and reconsidering how we move through space, through time, and through life itself.
Read with the right eyes — and a pen for taking notes — this is an invitation to look at the built world through a new lens, to navigate space with fresh eyes, and to feel emboldened to make your own positive interventions in it.
I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a surprisingly lovely mix of architecture and personal memoir featuring public/urban planning, international humanitarian projects, and sprinkled with some literature and philosophy.
I'd never heard of the author before, but now that I've read this book, I'm surprised I hadn't since he has been part of so much impressive and important work here and throughout the world.
I learned a lot about the field of architecture but what will stay with me the most was the structure of this book: Murphy begins with the house he works on as a young man with his ailing father, how that led him toward the path of becoming an architect whose mission it is to make design work for everyone- especially the most marginalized among us. And he goes full circle, visiting the last room his father was alive, bringing tribute to him and confirming his passion for making the world a better place.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books | Atria/One Signal Publishers for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'd never heard of the author before, but now that I've read this book, I'm surprised I hadn't since he has been part of so much impressive and important work here and throughout the world.
I learned a lot about the field of architecture but what will stay with me the most was the structure of this book: Murphy begins with the house he works on as a young man with his ailing father, how that led him toward the path of becoming an architect whose mission it is to make design work for everyone- especially the most marginalized among us. And he goes full circle, visiting the last room his father was alive, bringing tribute to him and confirming his passion for making the world a better place.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books | Atria/One Signal Publishers for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Our World in Ten Buildings is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at how the spaces we inhabit quietly shape the way we live, think, and connect. Michael Murphy blends architecture, memoir, and social impact as he walks through ten pivotal projects, showing how design influences everything from health and community to equity and opportunity. What could feel like a niche topic becomes deeply human, as Murphy reveals the invisible ways buildings affect our everyday lives.
What makes this book stand out is its sense of purpose—this isn’t just about architecture, but about reimagining a more just and thoughtful world. Murphy’s storytelling is accessible and inspiring, grounding big ideas in real-world examples and personal experiences. Our World in Ten Buildings leaves you looking at your surroundings differently—and questioning who our spaces are really built for.
What makes this book stand out is its sense of purpose—this isn’t just about architecture, but about reimagining a more just and thoughtful world. Murphy’s storytelling is accessible and inspiring, grounding big ideas in real-world examples and personal experiences. Our World in Ten Buildings leaves you looking at your surroundings differently—and questioning who our spaces are really built for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was super interested in this book at the beginning and found the author’s perspective to be fresh and unique. I am an architectural historian and found that his style of writing was very digestible for people both familiar and unfamiliar with architecture. However, by the end I was getting a bit bored with the same structure of sections just focusing on different types of buildings. Overall, a solid read but I just found myself losing interest by the end.
June 13, 2026
This is not a history so much as a behind-the-scenes (before-the-scenes might be a better descriptor) look at various building types and challenges, and much of it is interesting. But oof - the editing is so poorly done that the flow of reading was repeatedly interrupted. At some points, I was so irritated by various grammatical errors that I just put the book down. It only got worse as the book went on, unfortunately.
July 1, 2026
This book is incredible. I picked it up as the mother of an architecture student trying to understand the field. It far, far exceeded expectations - and helped contextualize the importance of the built space in how we connect, heal, form community and communicate dignity. WOW.
I gave my copy to my son - and urged him to read this summer. This book should be mandatory for architecture, construction and social sciences majors.
Bravo!
I gave my copy to my son - and urged him to read this summer. This book should be mandatory for architecture, construction and social sciences majors.
Bravo!
August 18, 2026
As someone who has worked in the social impact space for 25 years - including in global health - this book sheds light and new perspective on familiar issues in a way that I found both affirming and refreshing. The narrative prose and structure are beautiful, smart and personal. It’s a great read (or audio listen) for anyone interested in the evolution of design, our built environment, reimagining both — and doing good, better.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
An architect looks at the way in which buildings influence our lives. As an urban planner, I found Murphy's book to be fascinating. His insights into our need for fresh air and a relationship with nature are great. At times, the book seemed a memoir of an architect's realization of these facts through his design works. In any case, this is a really excellent book. I lost myself in it.
May 31, 2026
Overall an interesting book. But after the first two chapters about the hospital in Rwanda and the work in Haiti the remaining chapters are a lot less interesting. Murphy has a tendency to wax abstract without filling in any details and it felt like he was struggling to fit what he wanted to say into the structure he’d picked (10 buildings).
July 11, 2026
This book discusses so many things I love...how architecture and place help determine one's sense of self and, indeed, well-being. How social justice can be improved by common sense and thoughtful architecture...how sometimes we don't even register how impactful the buildings in our lives can be. I'm keeping this book to reread.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It is part memoir, part a love story to architecture, part a reflection on sociology, social justice and just helping humanity. I really enjoyed this book and I also feel I learned a lot and will look at buildings a little bit differently going forward.
June 11, 2026
I loved this book. It's as much about humans and our lives as it is about architecture. The love and respect for humankind shine through in the writing. It was also a beautiful tribute to the author's father.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Informative and easy to read.
September 6, 2026
Very misleading title - less about architecture or our world, and more about this guys life
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