Louis Kahn

by Joseph Rykwert, Roberto Schezen

The publication of this book coincides with the centenary of the birth of American architect Louis Kahn (1901-1974), though its immediate occasion is the new collection of photographs that illustrate the text and provide an opportunity to reconsider Kahn's achievement and his way of working. Architectural historian Joseph Rykwert has written a sensitive appreciation of Kahn's career and oeuvre, and photographer Roberto Schezen traveled the world to photograph fifteen of Kahn's major projects especially for this volume. Supplementing the photographs are dozens of Kahn's sketches and plans for many of his built and unbuilt designs.

Genres: Architecture

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Joseph Rykwert CBE was Paul Philippe Cret Professor Emeritus of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, and one of the foremost architectural historians and critics of his generation. He spent most of his working life in the United Kingdom and America. He taught the history and theory of architecture at several institutions in Europe and North America. Rykwert is the author of many influential works on architecture, including The Idea of a Town (1963), On Adam's House in Paradise (1972), The Dancing Column (1996) and The Seduction of Place (2000). All his books have been translated into several languages.

Reviews

[Candace Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book. Not overly technical, mainly giving history and background. It pays to be a fan of Brutalist architecture, otherwise the book can come across as a bit sterile and cold. The black and white photos are disappointing because the color photographs are really terrific, and give the book warmth and allow you to really see the building details.