Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This richly illustrated and superbly designed book reconsiders critical regionalism and brilliantly demonstrates the global viability of one of the most visible trends in contemporary architecture.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

In this fascinating and beautifully illustrated (color and black and white) book devoted to regionalism, or "critical regionalism," in architecture throughout the world since 1945, Lefaivre (Universitat fur Angewandte Kunst, Vienna) and Tzonis (Univ. of Technology of Delft) condemn the International Style for its homogenizing effects and lack of relation to its location or surrounding culture. They offer an alternative architecture, which respects local culture, geography, climate, and sustainability. First of all, their brief history of architecture stresses the regional aspects of ancient and later architecture. However, the heart of the discussion begins with the architecture of Oscar Niemeyer (Dance Hall at Belo Horizonte Brazil, 1942), Richard Neutra (Kaufmann Desert House, Palm Springs, 1946-47), and most convincingly Alvar Aalto (Sagn~tsalo Town Hall, Finland, 1948-52). Besides the two excellent essays, the heart of the book is devoted to the work of 17 contemporary architects working throughout the world, whose work expresses regionalism. These architects include Santiago Calatrava, Jean Nouvel, Moshe Safdie, Renzo Piano, and Kengo Kuma working throughout the world. Though one might disagree with the characterization of some of the works as regional, they are all major works. Good bibliography; invaluable biographies of the architects. A very provocative work. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through faculty. T. J. McCormick emeritus, Wheaton College (MA)