Examining the transformation of transparency as a metaphor in West German political thought to an analogy for democratic architecture; this book questions the prevailing assumption in German architectural circles that transparency in governmental buildings can be equated with openness; accessibility and greater democracy.The Transparent State traces the development of transparency in German political and architectural culture; tying this lineage to the relationship between culture and national identity; a connection that began before unification of the German state in the eighteenth century and continues today. The Weimar Republic and Third Reich periods are examined although the focus is on the postwar period; looking at the use of transparency in the three projects for a national parliament - the 1949 Bundestag project by Hans Schwippert; the 1992 Bundestag building by Gunter Behnisch and the 1999 Reichstag renovation by Norman Foster.Transparency is an important issue in contemporary architectural practice; this book will appeal to both the practising architect and the architectural historian.
#3622594 in eBooks 2004-11-10 2004-11-10File Name: B000PUBBDA
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. English LiteratureBy TexasBoyGood book with nice illustrations! English Lit requirement and worth the money!12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. The ultimate "mock epic"By bixodoidoThis poem serves two purposes. First; Pope wrote it in response to an upper-class quarrel over an event at a party in which a young girl had her hair cut. The incident itself was petty and stupid; but the families of the parties involved were taking it very seriously. Pope; then; wrote this poem in epic form (the most grand of poetic forms) to show the absurdity of the matter; and thus reconcile the offender and offended.That is the first function of this poem. Even though the incident is long forgotten; the poem is still very funny. But there is a greater purpose to this poem--it was written like an epic. It contains several epic elements--an epic battle (at the card game); the invocation of muses and gods; the epic quest (to cut the hair); and several literary devices; such as epic-length similes and catalogs. This is what makes this poem so great; and what serves as a testimony to Popes remarkable genius for wit and satire.Pope was; in my opinion; one of the greatest English poets; certainly the greatest satirist. This is one of his greatest works; and it is short enough to read over and over again without investing too much time.