Most people recognize at a glance the extraordinarily graceful proportions of classical-style buildings such as Londons Syon House and Athenaeum Club and the Banqueting Hall at Whitehall. Few; however; appreciate the underlying geometrical principles that lend these buildings their elegant unity of expression. Form and Design in Classic Architecture explains in simple; direct terms — and with numerous photographic plates and line illustrations — the ways in which the relationship of exterior and interior elements creates that unity and sense of completeness.Dozens of edifices by Inigo Jones; the Adam Brothers; Sir Christopher Wren; and other renowned architects appear here; in images accompanied by detailed analyses. The author presents a chapter-by-chapter view of buildings in a variety of shapes; with separate treatments of vestibules; corridors; domed and vaulted ceilings; pavilions; loggias; interior and exterior staircases; porticoes; and colonnades.The informative; readable text and handsome illustrations — as well as the sheer beauty of the buildings themselves — make this volume appealing; not only to architects and architectural historians but also to anyone with even a casual interest in architecture and design.
#2738292 in eBooks 2012-05-24 2012-05-24File Name: B00A7356L8
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Former Director of the Louvre takes you on a 30 year OdysseyBy Richard of ConnecticutOne of the finest minds I have ever encountered; a Noble prize winner said to me one day; "If you could live not one life over; but three lives; what lives would you live." Its interesting because most of my time is spent with an involvement with Wall Street and international finance; but my passion is art and learning. I couldnt put this book down. I read every page; cover to cover; while on a business trip to Texas.Art is timeless; and makes us aware of the all too short a period that represents our own time on earth. The author Michel Laclotte has spent his entire life in the art world; moving through various positions in his native France and finishing up as Director of the worlds most important art museum - The Louvre.If you read this book; you will gain an understanding of the art world that simply cannot be obtained any other way; unless like the opening sentence of my review states; you are able to live your own life over in the art world. The author takes us on a journey of what its like to run a museum with the outsized egos that are involved. Whats it like to bid on paintings; and pay $50 million or a $100 million for an object that you can hold in your hand?Laclotte was instrumental in both the reshaping of the Louvre utilizing the skills of world-renowned architect I.M Pei; and the building of the Musee dOrsay; which was done under the direct guidance of the author. There is a religious saying that says that "nothing is owned; everything is borrowed; and we are merely the custodians." This is certainly true of great art objects that have passed down through the ages; and Laclotte speaks with a poetical beauty through his words about the objects that he has been the custodian of; for his entire lifetime.There is an appreciation that is gained by reading this book for all that has come before us. A lady I know is reputed to have the highest IQ of anyone on the planet. One day she told me that she doesnt read books anymore because they are merely the authors subjective opinion regardless of topic. Instead she said she uses her time to go to museums; because there she is directly in touch with TRUTH. She doesnt need anyone to explain what she is looking at. She lets here own brain do the work.When you read Laclottes book; you will have an understanding what she means. The lives of the great artists; the works they created; thousands of years of art history; its all here. Its in a tightly woven tale about one mans commitment to art; and the life he lived guided by that commitment. Read this book; you will love it.Regards;Richard Stoyeck1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Off KeyBy Christian SchlectTo me; this book too often is a vehicle to mention and thank the many museum colleagues and associated art scholars from Mr. Laclottes long and distinguished career rather than an exciting view into the politics and work of a world treasure house.If you have a deep interest in the Louvre and the Musee d Orsay; you may well enjoy this book. However; I do not see this memoir as being a classic of its type. (One example of what I think to be a well-written and enduring art memoir is Kenneth Clarks "Another Part of the Wood.")7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Great BookBy TamdiegoI got this book while writing a research paper on the Louvre and found myself reading it just for fun - I am a Art History and Curatorial Studies student planning on doing this as my career so I may be biased; but It was so interesting to hear Laclottes experiences. I love the sections where he gives his own personal reactions to experiences such as I.M. Peis plan for the glass pyramids. So good! Anyway; fun read; interesting cultural information.