Adventures In Architecture

Adventures In Architecture

by Dan Cruickshank (Author)

Synopsis

Dan takes us to the buildings he believes have changed the world, revealing how in truly great buildings function, material and purpose connect to all other parts of life - showing how architecture is the richest and most complex of man's artistic endeavours. Do his chosen buildings live up to expectation, or does he find disappointment and lost ideals? Architecture is an art, a science and a craft. But buildings also have to fulfil a function, cater for human use, withstand the forces of nature, and be built to a budget. Dan considers all these aspects as he looks at places, some well known, many less so, as varied as the Catherine Palace in St Petersburg, the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, the Hanging Temple in Shanxi in China, Astana in Kazakhstan, Brasilia, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, the Lupanare Brothels in Pompeii, and the building of an igloo, man's earliest exercise in the creation of shelter, in Greenland.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: Phoenix
Published: 05 Feb 2009

ISBN 10: 0753824167
ISBN 13: 9780753824160
Book Overview: Dan Cruickshank covers all aspects of architecture - including beauty, power, paradise, pleasure, urban ideals and dreams. The prime-time BBC TV series ADVENTURES IN ARCHITECTURE received great reviews: 'Plenty of wonders to behold' The Times. 'Something special ? delightful ? quite an itinerary, but the effect is unhurried - and very beautiful' Daily Mail. 'Sumptuous' Independent on Sunday. '[Cruickshank is] endearing ? enthusiastic ... courageously puts himself in harm's way as he explores the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan' Independent. Dan's knowledgeable and entertaining observations make this a compelling but maverick history of architecture. Dan's previous book - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREASURES - sold over 70,000 copies.

Media Reviews
A keen sense of irony and social injustice accompanies each journey as he notes how the igloo is under threat and the Quakers' idea of prison didn't quite work out for the best. BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH
Author Bio
Dan Cruickshank is a regular presenter on the BBC best known for his popular BBC2 series which include MARVELS OF THE MODERN AGE and THE LOST WORLD OF FRIESE-GREEENE. He is one of Britain's leading architectural and historic building experts, and is an active member of the Georgian Group and the Architectural Panel of the National Trust.