Archigram: Architecture without Architecture

Book Description

In the 1960s, the architects of Britain's Archigram group and Archigram magazine turned away from conventional architecture to propose cities that move and houses worn like suits of clothes. In drawings inspired by pop art and psychedelia, architecture floated away, tethered by wires, gantries, tubes, and trucks. In Archigram: Architecture without Architecture, Simon Sadler argues that Archigram's sense of fun takes its place beside the other cultural agitants of the 1960s, originating attitudes and techniques that became standard for architects rethinking social space and building technology. The Archigram style was assembled from the Apollo missions, constructivism, biology, manufacturing, electronics, and popular culture, inspiring an architectural movement -- High Tech -- and influencing the postmodern and deconstructivist trends of the late twentieth century.

Although most Archigram projects were at the limits of possibility and remained unbuilt, the six architects at the center of the movement, Warren Chalk, Peter Cook, Dennis Crompton, David Greene, Ron Herron, and Michael Webb, became a focal point for the architectural avant-garde, because they redefined the purpose of architecture. Countering the habitual building practice of setting walls and spaces in place, Archigram architects wanted to provide the equipment for amplified living, and they welcomed any cultural rearrangements that would ensue. Archigram: Architecture without Architecture -- the first full-length critical and historical account of the Archigram phenomenon -- traces Archigram from its rediscovery of early modernist verve through its courting of students, to its ascent to international notoriety for advocating the "disappearance of architecture."

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sidebar or significant inspiration?
Dive back into the 60's
archigram
Amazing

Archigram

Manufacturer: Princeton Architectural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1568981945

Book Description

"In late 1960, in various flats in Hampstead, a loose group of people started to meet: to criticize projects, to concoct letters to the press, to combine to make competition projects, and generally prop one another up against the boredom of working in a London architectural office. It became obvious that some publication would help. The main British magazines did not at that time publish student work, so that Archigram was reacting to this as well as the general sterility of the scene. The title came from a notion of a more urgent and simple item than a journal, like a 'telegram' or 'aerogramme,' hence 'archi(tecture)-gram.'...By this time Peter Cook, David Greene, and Mike Webb, in making a broadsheet, had started a new Group."?
Thus begins Archigram, a chronicle of the work of a group of young British architects that became the most influential architecture movement of the 1960s, as told by the members themselves. It includes material published in early issues of their journal, as well as numerous texts, poems, comics, photocollages, drawings, and fantastical architecture projects. Work presented includes Instant City, pod living, the Features Monte Carlo entertainment center, Blow-out Village, and the Cushicle personalized enclosure. Archigram's influence continues unabated: direct descendants of the group's work include Lebbeus Woods, Neil Denari, Takasaki Masaharu, ?and Morphosis.?
This title is a facsimile edition of a book originally published in 1972, with a new introduction by Michael Webb.

Customer Reviews:

sidebar or significant inspiration?.......2006-03-23

I recently asked Dennis Crompton, about the historical significance of archigram's advocacy of social change and technology/advantgarde design in Modern Architecture. The elitist corporate architecture of the final and high practioner of the late Modern Architecture Style, Sir Norman Foster's definitive work, is a direct evolution of the 'Modern Movement' and 'archigram' dialog and vocabulary.
BTW thanks, for trying to make a difference.

Dive back into the 60's.......2006-03-21

The merit of the book is to provide an affordable compilation of Archigram's images and original text, mostly published on Architectural Design almost forty years ago. While it is disappointing not to have color pictures, the graphics are still compelling and provocative (all done without Photoshop!). It is a very good basic reference book if you are interested in Archigram.

archigram.......2006-01-17

Content-wise the book is great, but all the images are black and white, which in terms of the work of archigram, is a disappointment. I will certainly end up buying a second book to fill in the blanks that this one leaves.

Amazing.......2000-06-20

A staggering achievement. After viewing the exhibition at the San Francisco MoMA, I became very interested in this subject. I've found it to be an amazing introduction into the world of Art/Architecture for those whose interest lies within the graphic arts. Thoroughly enjoyable, highly enlightening. Highest Recommendation

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It's raining in Oxford Street
Something to stand alongside the space capsules

Concerning Archigram

Manufacturer: Archigram Archives
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0953511901

Customer Reviews:

It's raining in Oxford Street.......2006-06-13

'If when it's raining in Oxford Street the buildings are no more important than the rain, why draw the buildings and not the rain?'. Archigram are no ordinary architects. Although only a few of their projects were actually built, they're among the most influential architects of all times. Just visit their continuing exhibition - which started in 1998 in England and is still touring the world - and read this book to find out why. Edited by Dennis Crompton (a member of Archigram), it has a huge collection of pictures and texts by all Archigram members, a perfect insight in their full work starting from the sixties. Equally appealing to both architects and to everyone interested in swinging sixties' British weirdness (but what a consistent one!). They tried to change architecture the way the Beatles and Pink Floyd - for which they designed some light shows - managed to change music, and they almost succedeed: if only they did, architecture would be a funnier, lighter, better thing today.

Something to stand alongside the space capsules.......2005-02-19

A great overview of the history of this revolutionary architecture and design collective. There are many illustrations to get lost in. Moving cities, inflatable, wearable housing pods. I bought it at the Centre Pompidou during the exhibit "Les Annes Pop" in which there were models and blueprints from Archigrams projects displayed. I had never seen anything like it before, and immediately needed a book to share the proof of such visionary projects that began almost fourty years ago. A fun book for anyone, not only architects. Edited by one of the founders of the collective, and included many articles written by other members.

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Archigram

Manufacturer: Art Data
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Archigram
Warren Chalk, David Greene, Ron Herron, Mike Webb, Peter Cook (Editor) Dennis Crompton
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000V6OVVC

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Archigram
Peter Cook
Manufacturer: Praeger
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000FOIE36

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Archigram (Collection Monographie)

Manufacturer: Centre Georges Pompidou Service Commercial,France
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 2858507864

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Archigram.
Praeger Publishers [1 New York
Manufacturer: International Thomson Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Textbook Binding
ASIN: 0275495701

Beyond Archigram: The Structure of Circulation

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Beyond Archigram: The Structure of Circulation
Hadas Steiner
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Materials | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Book Description

A journal published in London irregularly between 1961 and 1970 as well as the name of the group that created it, Archigram is one of the most significant phenomena to emerge from post-war architectural culture. Yet despite a resurgence in interest in Archigram, the available literature has been limited to exhibition catalogues.
Beyond Archigram changes that. It is the first archival study of Archigram to look at the visual dissemination of an ideological model among the attendant avant-garde practices of the 1960s. Hadas Steiner shows how the assimilation of the Archigram imagery set the bar for the visual output of what have become commonplace tools in architectural practice, and provides a foundation for further analysis of the integration of digital technology into every level of design.

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Dance with Archigram

Manufacturer: Space Group of Korea
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 8985127071
Release Date: 2005-06-01

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Short and not a true watercolor book, but a craft book

Fresh and Easy Watercolors for Beginners
Bonnie J. Frederico
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Study & Teaching | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Watercolor Painting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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Watercolor Painting Made Easy: A Step-By-Step Guide With Drawing Templates : Includes 20 Projects

Basic Flower Painting Techniques in Watercolor: Techniques in Watercolor (Basic Techniques Series)

Painting Watercolors (First Step Series)

Watercolor for the Fun of It: Flowers and Leaves

Creative Watercolor Workshop

ASIN: 1581804121

Book Description

This book is perfect for anyone who's let fear or frustration keep them away from watercolors. Whether they're decorative painters or complete beginners, readers will find that success comes quickly with the complete step-by-step instructions and patterns in this guide.

It's fun and easy to build skills while painting 10 colorful fruit and floral projects designed especially for beginners, including: -Festive poinsettia on a gift box and coordinating tag -Realistic apples on fabric -Beautiful violets on a memory album cover -A garden scene with morning glories and a trellis

In addition to these gorgeous projects, the book includes an introduction to all the basic materials and techniques for watercolors. There are sections on everything from gathering materials to transferring patterns. Painters and non-painters alike will find everything they need to experience the true joy of watercolors!

Customer Reviews:

Short and not a true watercolor book, but a craft book.......2007-01-12

I was disappointed about this book. It has craft projects that include watercolor, instead of just watercolor techniques.

Book Description

* Comprehensive, up-to-date information vital to all crew members
* Over 150 easy-to-use tables allow immediate, in-the-field access to such information as depth of field, exposure, filter factors, and international conversion factors
* Small size allows the use to carry it in pocket or tool-box.

The Filmmaker's Pocket Reference provides all members of the crew with comprehensive, up-to-date information vital to the smooth production of motion pictures and videos. Over 150 easy-to-use tables allow immediate, in-the-field access to such information as depth-of-field, exposure, safe working loads for chains, and international conversion charts. In addition, general information tables ranging from time zones to car rentals are included. The text provides inside information on production, and includes such things as special effects, panning techniques and understanding filters. Everyone on the set, including the production crew and production managers, will find this little book an invaluable tool.

Book Description

Award winning cartoonist Daryl Talbot returns with this collection of cartoons depicting the funny side of modern cowboyin'. If you you've ever owned a horse or worked on a ranch (or wished you did), you'll get a kick out of this lighthearted look at ranchin' and ropin'

Book Description

This is a touching, heartfelt, as well as humorous look at turning fifty in the '90s. Through a collection of personal stories, Susan White-Bowden brings love and hope as she looks at issues such as: grandparenting, grown children, elderly parents, career change, facing one's own mortality and the special gifts each day brings. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll find an enlightened companion as you face being middle aged in this decade.

Customer Reviews:

Even in the new century, still a great book!.......2003-01-22

This book is right from the heart of Susan White-Bowden. Each chapter is another snippet of her life from former news anchor to stay-at-home grandma. I love her sections throughout the book called "Out of the Mouths of Grandchildren." But, my absolute favorite chapter (and it is hard to choose just one) is called, "Summer Camp." Susan was able to do "MeMe's Camp" for all six of her grandkids since they all lived close by. It was a wonderful experience for all, and a very special time for her. She also reminds us that grandmothers can be youthful and productive at home as well as in the community...and sexy, too. Good for anyone turning 50 and facing the second half of their life. This book is full of fun and inspiration. Make a cup of tea, put your feet up, and enjoy a really good book!

Susan White-Bowden writes from the heart, she speaks to me!.......1998-03-13

I never met Susan in the years I've been here in Baltimore, but her books have been a wonderful find. I have all three of her books, and have enjoyed reading each and everyone of them. I first read "Everything to Live For" which was the tragic account of her son's suicide. She did not know her son was at greater risk of suicide since his Dad had committed suicide. With three teenage boys of my own, I read with interest her story and felt her grief at the loss of her only son.

I loved "Moonbeams Come At Dark Times" turning 50 in the 90s. This book is full of wonderful stories about growing older, but staying young-at-heart. Susan is indeed a remarkable woman who has at last found happiness with Jack Bowden. I remember seeing them on TV, and missed them when they were no longer there. I felt I had once again found a long lost friend when I discovered Susan's books. I love the chapter on "MeMe's Summer Camp" where she plans a camp on her farm for her grandchildren one summer. It is inspiring and shows her love for her grandchildren. The giving of time (her own camp) rather than money to send them to an organized camp somewhere. I can't help but think that her grandchildren will remember this always. I sure will. Easy to read and re-read, even of you aren't turning 50!

"From a Healing Heart" (and I am sorry to see it is out of print, are you sure?) is a lovely book with pictures by Susan's daughter, Margorie White. It takes you through the stages of grief, and is an excellent book for anyone who has lost a child, lover, friend, or anyone dear to you. I highly recommend these books and hope that Susan writes more in the future. As I said her writing speaks to me: she feels like a friend I never met!

Book Description

An elegantly designed, beautifully composed volume of personal letters from famous American men and women that celebrates the American Experience and illuminates the rich history of some of America’s most storied families.

Posterity is at once an epistolary chronicle of America and a fascinating glimpse into the hearts and minds of some of history’s most admired figures. Spanning more than three centuries, these letters contain enduring lessons in life and love, character and compassion that will surprise and enlighten.

Included here are letters from Thomas Jefferson to his daughter, warning her of the evils of debt; General Patton on D-Day to his son, a cadet at West Point, about what it means to be a good soldier; W.E.B. DuBois to his daughter about character beneath the color of skin; Oscar Hammerstein about why, after all his success, he doesn’t stop working; Woody Guthrie from a New Jersey asylum to nine-year-old Arlo about universal human frailty; sixty-five-year-old Laura Ingalls Wilder’s train of thought about her pioneer childhood; Eleanor Roosevelt chastising her grown son for his Christmas plans; and Groucho Marx as a dog to his twenty-five-year-old son.

With letters that span more than three centuries of American history, Posterity is a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts, wisdom, and family lives of those whose public accomplishments have touched us all. Here are renowned Americans in their own words and in their own times, seen as they were seen by their children. Here are our great Americans as mothers and fathers.

Customer Reviews:

Great Gift for Parents, New and Old.......2007-03-22

I've stopped giving redundant, briefly used, baby items to new parents. Instead, I buy them Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children. The connection to the commonality of parenthood, that feels so unique and precious to many who've encountered it, resonates throughout this collection. Except for Jack London's contribution, you'll smile as you read most of the letters that editor Dorie Mccullough Lawson has included in this peerless treasury.

Poor selection of letters.......2004-09-21

Although I love books of letters, I found this anthology uninspiring and a poorly chosen group of contributors. The letters rely mostly upon the interest of the reader in the author, not the content of the letter itself. For example: Arlo Guthrie is a neat character, but in his letter to his son, when he tells him to be thankful to God -- why? Sure, It's good advice, and any half-wit can relay it, but the real intellect and insight comes in explaining why someone ought to be thankful to God when they or someone else is suffering. I think a much, much better anthology of letters can be found in Lisa Grunwald and Stephen Adler's "Letters of the Century". It collects hundreds of letters from authors famous and anonymous, and each is tremendously insightful about the emotions of the author, and often makes prescient remarks about the era.

Personal and Revealing.......2004-07-19

This wonderful book spans more than three centuries and gives the reader insights into the thoughts of many great Americans as they wrote to their children.

This treasury of short letters also provides some background for each one. The research needed to discover these personal letters is documented. I love this collection and the way all the letters are presented.

To quote from the author's father, David McCullough, "This is a book to pick up and read at almost any page, a book to keep close at hand, to return to for nourishment and guidance, yes, but also for reassurance and pure pleasure". I couldn't have said it any better! This quotation says exactly how I feel. I want to purchase several copies to give as gifts and as a parent, I even feel compelled to write to my own children!

All the letters provide wonderful insights into the minds of the parents, and I have several favorites; Eleanor Roosevelt wrote one to one of her sons who wanted to skip Christmas and it is so touching! As Dorie M. Lawson reminds us, letter writing is generally a thoughtful art - it cannot compare to e-mail writing.

These personal letters from parent to child are arranged thematically and within each section, they are in chronological order and printed in their entirety just as they were composed. It is thrilling to read them, especially the really old ones and all of them were written by aparent who made worthwhile contributions to America.

Here are a few of the parents whose letters are included: Thomas Jefferson to his daughter Patsy, Harry Truman to his daughter Margaret, General Patton to his son, Oscar Hammerstein to his son, and so many more from all walks of life. All of us who have children and even those who do not, will benefit from reading this rare collection of parents expressing their thoughts.

Thank you Dorie McCullough Lawson and please continue writing!

A Wonderful Display of Humanity.......2004-07-08

To often, we think of historical figures as cardboard characters, names in a textbook. In this wonderful book, they come alive as thinking, feeling human beings, sharing their innermost thoughts with their children. No matter the era, or the fame of the writer, the humanity is what one remembers. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can give Dorie McCullough Lawson is the fact that I have since read, or am reading, biographies of N.C. Wyeth, Theodore Roosevelt, John J. Pershing, and Harriet Beecher Stowe...all because of what I learned about them from her book, and the letters therein. "Posterity..." is a book to treasure.

Lovely. Moving, Entertaining Look Inside Families.......2004-04-30

I'm not a big fan of the genre of letters literature, but this book completely surprised and enthralled me. The obvious hook is the eclectic group of thinkers, from Thomas Edison and Jack London to Moe Howard from the Three Stooges and Woody Guthrie. Each writer reveals a profound love of family, children, sense of humor and warmth that is collectively astonishing and heartbreaking. (...)

Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children.(Post Bookshelf)(Book Review): An article from: Saturday Evening Post

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Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children.(Post Bookshelf)(Book Review): An article from: Saturday Evening Post

Manufacturer: Saturday Evening Post Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Saturday Evening Post, published by Saturday Evening Post Society on September 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1278 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children.(Post Bookshelf)(Book Review)
Publication: Saturday Evening Post (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2004
Publisher: Saturday Evening Post Society
Volume: 276 Issue: 5 Page: 14(3)

Article Type: Book Review

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