About 1912; a renaissance of interest in early American architecture occurred that claimed the attention of a broad cross-section of the culture. It was demonstrated not only by being a popular topic in books and magazines; but also by the publics passion for collecting American antique furniture; and by students and architects traveling through different regions of the nation and photographing the most notable architectural examples. In the 1930s; the classic constructions from this earlier time mingled with the new materials and efficient designs; and the great American country house was born. This treasury showcases some of the finest American country houses produced during that unusually fruitful period. Culled from many of the best architectural firms of the time; the volume includes numerous detailed floor plans; lively sketches; and breathtaking photographs of exteriors and interiors. From simple cottages to functional family homes to sprawling estates; a wide variety of styles is represented. Celebrating the stately form; quiet technique; and balance and simplicity that is at the heart of every well-built American country house; anyone interested in history; art; and architecture will find in this collection an inspiring vision.
#1785384 in eBooks 2012-07-16 2012-07-16File Name: B00A7363AG
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A comprehensive approach about the relation between the human scale and the built environmentBy Rene Ariza CruzIf you are interested in how to shape cities that take into account the human scale; this book is for you. The Foreword; the Preface; the Six Chapters; the Toolbox and even the Appendix; give the reader a comprehensive approach in relation to how to understand; to study and to shape the built environment from the standpoint of the people who inhabit it. A must read for architects; urban designers; urban planners and landscape architects (both students and professionals).20 of 22 people found the following review helpful. Will Change the Way You Think About Cities - [...]By TheUrbitectI received the book fresh off the press; and the book was filled with fresh ideas about how we design our cities.Gehl has been in the field of architecture and urban design for a long time now. Through "Cities for People" Gehl shares his knowledge and wisdom that he has acquired through out the years. As a student intending to be an architecture; reading this book completely changed what I thought being an architecture was about.Who should read this book?City Politicians - Read this book and better understand your citizens.Architectures and Urban Planners - Obviously people in the design field should read it. I believe every student would greatly benefit; I know I did.Citizens! - Yes; I believe citizens should read this book. For those that live in cities improve your voice in city policy by having an understand of how cities work at the human level; your level. For those that dont live in the city; it will make a well design city a place you desire to live.Key Concepts-The most prominent concept in the book is viewing the city through the human perspective. In the past several decades; since the automobile has dominated city life; architecture and urban spaces have been created for the fast pace of the automobile. Buildings are bigger; with less details. Urban spaces are far too large to be enjoyable. Gehl argues that urban planners and architects must begin to view design from a bottom up perspective; from instead of a top down perspective.-Pictures-- Reading Gehls book was an experience. I did not read the book from front to back. I continually flipped ahead to look at the wonderful pictures; to return back and re read a paragraph I just read. Without the pictures in the book; "Cities for People" would be a dull experience. However; there are many pictures used to emphasize certain points. Gehl could have thrown tons of numbers at you(which he does have plenty of statistical data); instead he shows you the difference between a car friendly street and a pedestrian friendly street. He shows how a long street with no windows or lights scares people away; compared to a street with open shops and outdoor cafes have an exuberant human interaction.-Walking; Bicycling ;Staying and Meeting -- Most of the book focuses on getting more people walking and bicycling as means of transportation. Walking and Cycling can also lead to staying in urban spaces and meeting people.Table of Contents (Chapter Titles)1. The Human Dimension2. Senses and Scale3. The lively; safe; sustainable; and healthy city4. The city at eye level5. Life; space; buildings -- in that order6. Developing citiesThe only criticism I have with the book is that Gehl focuses entirely on out door space. Most of what he tells us should apply to indoors; but it would be nice if Gehl took his ideas into the buildings not just outside.A Great Architect and another great book. Worth every page turn.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... for a class I took and it was very useful.By Customerused this for a class I took and it was very useful.