This edited collection addresses the vital role of the imagination in the critical interpretation of architectural representations. By challenging the contemporary tendency for computer-aided drawings to become mere lsquo;modelsrsquo; for imitation in the construction of buildings; the articles explore the broader range of methods and meanings at stake in the creation and interpretation of architectural drawings; models; images and artefacts.These critical ndash; and often practice-led ndash; investigations are placed alongside a range of historical studies considering the development of representational techniques such as perspective; orthography and diagramming. By also addressing the use of visual representation in a number of related disciplines such as visual arts; film; performance and literature; the book opens up debates in architecture to important developments in other fields. This book is key reading for all students of architecture and architectural theory.
#2402032 in eBooks 2007-06-07 2007-06-07File Name: B00FDR0VOK
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Box Office Flop or Misunderstood Classic? Or Both?By Ralph E. Vaughanapplication of personal likes and dislikes; biases and prejudices. Probably that is nowhere more evidenced than in the field of ldquo;cultrdquo; films; those movies that failed in general; but have found a niche audience; those die-hard fans willing to wait in lines on rainy nights for midnight showings; or chance losing their few friends by defending the indefensible. And those who find such a film are overjoyed when they come across a like-minded soul. As the author of this book writes: ldquo;There is nothing more exciting than discovering you are not the only person obsessed with a picture the critics hate; the public stays away from en masse; and film texts ignore.rdquo; As to just what kind of a film might become a cult classic; thatrsquo;s hard to pin down; for there are plenty of films that bomb at the box office and flit through our minds never to be recalled again. The author writes: ldquo;The typical Hollywood product has little potential for becoming a cult favorite because it is perceived by everyone in practically the same way.rdquo;hellip;in other words; sometimes a bad film is just a bad film; and there it dies. In this book; author Danny Peary gives us overviews and analyses of ldquo;hellip;the 10 best intergalactic; astonishing; far-out; and epic cinema classics.rdquo; Since he notes from the beginning that appreciation; or condemnation; of any film is entirely subjective; he should not be surprised that others might disagree with his choices.Of the ten films chosen for this book; I would concede that seven are probably actual cult movies; though I would only list four as being (possibly) in the top ten. Though they have their rabid fans; I donrsquo;t see ldquo;Five Million Years to Earth;rdquo; ldquo;Forbidden Planet;rdquo; or ldquo;2001: A Space Odysseyrdquo; as being true cult films. They are too popular; too critically acclaimed; too discussed as far as meaning; if only because they have been sliced and diced by anyone and everyone with an opinion; even if there is no consensus as to meaning; especially with ldquo;2001.rdquo; I would put ldquo;Blade Runnerrdquo; on the edge of being a cult film; but Irsquo;ll agree that it is more one than it is not; and that it is one of the top ten. Others I would allow in the top number would be ldquo;Dark Star;rdquo; ldquo;Zardozrdquo; and ldquo;A Boy and His Dog.rdquo; Others I would admit as being cultish; but not in the top: ldquo;Barbarellardquo; (ugh!); ldquo;Liquid Skyrdquo; and ldquo;The Man Who Fell to Earth.rdquo; Yoursquo;ll probably disagree with me; and the author; which is not unexpected since it really is all subjective. You have your own cult favorites that didnrsquo;t make it to the list; just as I have mine.Despite your (or my) disagreement with the authorrsquo;s choices; itrsquo;s undeniable that he does an excellent job of giving an overall review of each film and providing background information. Where he excels; however; is in his analyses of the films and the people involved. As much as I dislike ldquo;Barbarella;rdquo; ldquo;Liquid Sky;rdquo; and ldquo;A Boy and His Dogrdquo; I have to admit the analyses were mesmerizing; especially in the case of ldquo;Barbarella;rdquo; where he effectively psychoanalyzed Jane Fonda and the director; Roger Vadim. His justifications for the inclusion of these particular films are persuasive; but ultimately doomed to failure because facts and mere logic are helpless in the face of personal opinion. Whether you find yourself in agreement or at odds with the writerrsquo;s opinions; you will be entertained and challenged by this book;1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great read and its freeBy Andrew SwartzA great read and its free! And now a Kindle book. Cant go wrong. These reviews are abridged from his wonderful Cult Movies 1; 2; and 3. I bought these in paperback years ago and have misplaced them in my cluttered life so its nice to rediscover Danny Pearys vast knowledge of these science fiction gems. My only beef is that the read goes by too quickly but you have got to appreciate the price. Well worth your while!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good ListBy James HoganGood list of films. A few I need to see now. Comprehensive essays with information of each film. Fun read.