ePub Celtic Thunder Songbook: The Music by Celtic Thunder in Arts-Photography

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It is also great that Morshed embedded his study of Ferriss in a ...By Ron in ArkansasMorsheds new book is a scholarly triumph for a number of reasons. First; it is one of the first works to treat Hugh Ferriss--one of the most influential architectural thinkers and artists of the first half of the twentieth century--with the depth and complexity that he deserves. Countless scholarly works refer to Ferriss; but Morshed actually enables the reader to get to know Ferriss; to peer inside of his head and start to understand how his utopian dreams of a sublimely reformed modern metropolis took shape and exerted influence. It is also great that Morshed embedded his study of Ferriss in a larger discussion of utopian urban visions including those of Norman Bel Geddes and Buckminster Fuller. His comparison of these three figures reveals that; in this energetic but uncertain time in American history; having the knowledge and sensitivity of an architect was somehow less important than having the goggle-framed eyes and sky-high ambitions of an aviator or a "superman." The godlike aerial gaze made available by aircraft and skyscrapers thrilled designers and the public alike. Of course; designing buildings; neighborhoods; and cities "from the air;" as one might lay out a circuit board; instead of with the view of the pedestrian (or even the motorist) foremost in mind has today become synonymous with the creation of un-intuitive; out-of-scale; and generally alienating places; but the ongoing prevalence of birds eye programming in architecture schools and practices makes Morsheds book all the more important. How is it that we came to see placemaking as an aerial pursuit for heroic industrial engineers and technological wizards? Impossible Heights goes a long way to answering this question. May this excellent book inspire more equally strong and valuable scholarship; and encourage more critical discourse on ways we might improve our world. On this last point; perhaps we could start by encouraging architects and engineers to strap on parachutes and return to earth.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Morshed is also an excellent writer; erudite yet accessibleBy MG2THE CITY AS DRAMA.We are here to celebrate Adnan Morshedrsquo;s new book:Impossible Heights: Skyscrapers; Flight; and the Master Builder.Morshed sets out on a very ambitious task; to trace how the new experience of flying inspired what he aptly named an ldquo;aesthetic of ascensionrdquo;. According to Morshed; flying enabled a shift in perspective; seeing the city from above; from the birdrsquo;s eye view; instead of from below; the wormrsquo;s eye view; and in motion; instead of a fixed point. Flying induced the desire to reshape the industrial city and seduced architects; planners and the public into believing in the need for a brave new world; a new Utopia.Morshed tells us a history of the modern city through this shift in perspective. This is a book full of insights and surprises. Morshed is also an excellent writer; erudite yet accessible. He engages us with the modern city as a drama. What kind of drama? I encourage you to read Impossible Heights and decide for yourself.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Adnan Took Me To School...AgainBy JackAs a proud former student of Adnan Morshed; I can tell you that his approach to writing Impossible Heights is akin to his approach to pedagogy - engaging; insightful; thorough; and thought-provoking. He lucidly explains how human fascination with flight and height had dramatic (and arguably abysmal) implications on architecture and civic planning in the 20th century. This book is a must read for any aspiring architect or history buff. 5 stars!