What Is Oma: Considering Rem Koolhaas And The Office For Metropolitan Architecture

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Cliff Notes on OMA

An enigma

What Is Oma: Considering Rem Koolhaas And The Office For Metropolitan Architecture
Jean Attali , H.J.A. Hofland , Fredric Jameson , Fritz Neymeyer , Michael Sorkin , Bruce Sterling , Bart Verschaffel , Sarah Whiting , Neil Leach , Anthony Vidler , Rene Boomkens , and Aaron Betsky
Manufacturer: NAi Publishers/Neue Nationalgalerie
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 9056623494
Release Date: 2004-01-02

Book Description

There are few outside a circle of initiates who realize just how important Rem Koolhaas and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) are for international architecture today. Arguably, Koolhaas/OMA is the most interesting architect from the latter half of the 20th century. But how well is this truly understood? Certainly in the Netherlands, OMA is known only for the Kunsthal in Rotterdam. The average culture buff--who sees architecture from a layman's point of view--often only has two criteria when looking at architecture: it has to look good and it has to serve a purpose. Regrettably this section of the public considers the Kunsthal to be a failure on both counts and so is blind to the significance of Rem Koolhaas and OMA. In New York, Koolhaas's Prada store is perhaps equally elusive: it looks unlike any other store and it behaves unlike any other store. What is OMa maps the fields where Koolhaas is active, not only showing his realized buildings but illuminating his perspective on the contemporary city and urbanity. The book describes with great clarity Koolhaas's role in architectural theory and the body of concepts wielded by him. Authors of international repute from beyond the province of architecture examine Koolhaas's work in the light of social and economic developments. As a result, What is OMA paints an intelligent picture of the sheer range of Rem Koolhaas's architecture and its seminal role in the architectural world. It is the first book to approach Koolhaas's work from the vantage point of disciplines other than architecture and to explain it to the general public.

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Cliff Notes on OMA.......2006-02-27

"What is OMA?" - a collection of writings by varied individuals about Rem Koolhaas and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture - unfortunately amounts to Cliff Notes about the said architect and his design firm.

Admittedly,when I bought "What is OMA?" I thought that the book would be an interesting discussion about the work and theories of Rem Koolhaas and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture. The writings either provide glossy insights into individuals' reactions to Rem/OMA or summarize his past writings relative to a current context.

Interest in the Cliff Notes erodes with each consequent writing in a Baudrillardian fashion as the pieces rediscusses theories highlighted in Rem's "S,M,L,XL" and "Delirious New York".

If one is looking for how other individuals look at Rem Koolhaas and OMA, "What is OMA?" may be for you. However, if you want to experience/read Rem Koolhaas and OMA at their best continue to reference books such as "S,M,L,XL" and "Delirious New York".

An enigma.......2005-04-15

This book is a compilation of essays by a few professionals from different perspectives in considering Rem Koolhaas and his offsprings in the form of OMA and AMO. Some essays are cerebral and filled with so many architectural jargons that towards the end, I said to myself, what the ..? However, some essays had wonderful proses and informative at the same time. I didn't know for a start that Rem was a movie director, script writer, and I also didn't know that he stayed for few years in Asia and his fascination with those Asian countries. Furthermore, there were description of his earlier works which are now having cult following. Anyhow, this book is essentially used to accompany Rem's exhibition. There were also notable essays about his interpretation of Lagos, Nigeria; Rem's perspective of large buildings; Rem's compulsion in doing statistical research to compile those data into useful information which eventually would be used to build buildings to faciliate those information (fulfilling briefs) instead of building 'junk space' and so forth. Ultimately, Rem is someone that defies conventions. He doesn't necessarily build beautiful buildings. Afterall, what is defined as beautiful these days? He is someone that polarises opinion. Either you like him or you hate him. In the end, can Rem be called an enigma? Whilst this book is not for everybody, it is still worth reading to get a feel of what Rem Koolhaas is all about. Be sure to read Rem's own works. Commendable effort.

Book Description

Freestanding bronze statuary was the primary mode of artistic expression in classical Greece, yet it was not until the nineteenth century that any original large statues of that period were unearthed. Carol C. Mattusch enriches our knowledge of this beloved but elusive art form in a comprehensive study of the style and techniques of bronze statuary during the Archaic (6th century B.C.) and Classical (5th century B.C.) periods.

Book Description

Around the time Louis Jacques Mand Daguerre perfected his method for fixing images on polished metal plates in 1839, Harvard was emerging as a modern research institution. Accordingly, the college began amassing vast collections for teaching and research. Among these collections in the university's libraries, museums, archives, and academic departments are some of the earliest photographic documents of American life: daguerreotypes. A Curious and Ingenious Art brings together a representative sampling of Harvard's internationally significant but relatively unknown collection of daguerreotypes. Many of these images were made for, by, and of members of the universityÕs community and have been in its holdings for more than 150 years. The collection includes the work of some of America's pioneering daguerreotypists, such as Mathew Brady, Southworth and Hawes, and John Adams Whipple. Most notably, the Harvard collection preserved for posterity such faces of the era as Oliver Wendell Holmes, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry James, James McNeill Whistler, Dorothea Dix, Jenny Lind, and even Tom Thumb.

The university also seized upon photography as a tool of scientific research, stunningly exemplified in one of the first detailed daguerreotypes of the moon taken in 1851 as well as in images capturing the emergence of modern anesthesia. An unfortunate misuse of photography is recalled in the now famous slave daguerreotypes commissioned by natural historian Louis Agassiz, who believed in the theory of separate human species.

The Harvard collection represents the early history of photography and its social meaning. The accompanying essays explore the personal, telling histories behind the images, stories that unveil the reflections of individuals who searched for purpose and promise in the new medium.

Customer Reviews:

Stunning book on daguerreotypes.......2000-11-06

The best daguerreotype portraits are some of the most striking photographic likenesses you'll ever see. Talk about verisimilitude: Those who posed for daguerreotypes in the last century seem about to start speaking, or to step right out of the image. The pictures are practically holographic in their three-dimensionality, and you feel you could almost reach out and touch the faces captured therein so long ago. The generally small size of the images doesn't detract from the experience; in fact, like the finest Mughal miniatures, the reverse is true. As you draw close to the frame, you find yourself entering the daguerreotype's exquisite little world. The experience is enhanced by the thought that, since daguerreotypes are positive images, the photograph before you is the only one in existence.

A daguerreotype's power is greatest when you're seeing the actual image before your eyes, of course, but the reproductions in this beautifully designed coffee-table book, many of which are reproduced in actual size, are so stunning that you're truly getting the next best thing. Here you'll find likenesses of some of the most famous figures to traipse through the 19th century -- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry James, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jenny Lind, Tom Thumb, James Whistler, Dorothea Dix.

The author, Melissa Banta, a kind of curator-at-large at Harvard, was not content simply to ferret out all daguerreotypes then existing at Harvard (over 450 images, some of which are seeing the light of day for the first time here). She delved into the often compelling stories behind each image's creation, life history, and curation. In lyrically written short essays, we learn how the first daguerreotypes of the moon came into being in 1851, why Louis Agassiz had daguerreotypes taken of slaves forced to disrobe, what Harriet Beecher Stowe was thinking at the time her likeness was taken, why Asa Gray collected daguerreotypes of his fellow botanists (all images that appear here).

In short, this is a coffee-table book with substance and personality. It will serve as an excellent introduction to daguerreotypy for the layman, and a must-have compendium for the avid daguerreian. Highly recommended.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing is more powerful than conviction.......2000-09-24

Resurrecting the past returns Xenon to the way he felt in Volume 2, but even he cannot stray from his goal for long. The teamwork is working and the end can be seen but Ichimura (who likely never sleeps so that he can Best Gramps) puts it all together into something that works and can be sold by the Bloody Sea. The mastermind (Kanzaki) throws another twist because `someone' has yet to deal with their inner demons. All the questions are answered and Kanzaki (one who likes to tease the reader) ends with a new question that would make us think there is a sequel. Take Xenon's lead and come up with your own explanation because I have yet to see the sequel. Read what I said about Volume 2 and 3 - Kanzaki makes a great story and the translations are on the ball.

It takes more than one person to achieve.......2000-09-24

If chemically enhanced humans can't overcome Xenon, then overwhelm him with monsters with low IQ whose sole purpose is to destroy. Xenons and Gramps' are working together and therefore they are becoming a stronger force. Yoko and Ryuji become stronger members of the team (Ryuji is still his distant self) and they help gather information on the Bloody Sea. They begin to attack the Bloody Sea and shut down their production. Ichimura develops a new technology to find a way to beat Xenon and that means Xenon's once invincible status becomes reduced to - well - nearly invincible status :) Kanzaki does great work revealing the past / origins of Xenon, Yoko and Gramps in this volume. Gramps' old rival is Ichimura who considers defeating Xenon as a `personal' mission (based on what is revealed) which intensifies the showdown. Kanzaki does terrific work at making it all seem real. This story goes to the next level of manga and brings in emotions of everyday life. The artwork is fluid and the translation is clear.

Using inner demons for gain.......2000-09-24

After the coming-to-grips-with-who-you-are of volume one, this book deals with using-your-inner-demons-for-rectification. If you believe every weakness can turn into a strength, Xenon is for you. Kanzaki continues to delve into his characters making it easy to identify with them or see the character in people you know. The Bloody Sea moves from a `hitman' to an organized attack to destroy Xenon. Xenon has also improved in the way of commitment plus now he has others supporting his cause. He faces the Demon Three who is truly morally sick because they will do anything to get the upper edge. I have to say Kanzaki is gifted with creativity (and the translators were top notch). Kanzaki did a fantastic job at the artwork giving the reader nothing to impede the story. He must be extremely talented because he goes outside of the norm and simplifies his style to express the bumbling of the characters (totally unintrusive). This is the next level of manga; it goes into character depth and emotions beyond fights. I believe if you are a person who likes to be a part of the story, Xenon is perfect. This is one of the hidden gems.

Using inner demons for gain.......2000-09-24

After the coming-to-grips-with-who-you-are of volume one, this book deals with using-your-inner-demons-for-rectification. If you believe every weakness can turn into a strength, Xenon is for you. Kanzaki continues to delve into his characters making it easy to identify with them or see the character in people you know. The Bloody Sea moves from a `hitman' to an organized attack to destroy Xenon. Xenon has also improved in the way of commitment plus now he has others supporting his cause. He faces the Demon Three who is truly morally sick as they will do anything to get the upper edge. I have to say Kanzaki is gifted with creativity (and the translators were top notch). Kanzaki did a fantastic job at the artwork giving the reader nothing to impede the story. He must be extremely talented because he goes outside of the norm and simplifies his style to express the bumbling of the characters (totally unintrusive). This is the next level of manga; it goes into character depth and emotions beyond fights. I believe if you are a person who likes to be a part of the story, Xenon is perfect. This is one of the hidden gems.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Masthead, published by National Conference of Editorial Writers on March 22, 1994. The length of the article is 2235 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: Barry Bingham: A Man of His Word. (book reviews)
Author: Keith Runyon
Publication: The Masthead (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 1994
Publisher: National Conference of Editorial Writers
Volume: v46 Issue: n1 Page: p18(4)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

The third edition of Messier employs the new audit approaches currently being used by auditing professionals, and soon to be adopted by the Auditing Standards Board. This approach places emphasis on understanding the entity (i.e., the organization or business being audited) and its environment (i.e. industry), and then assessing the business risks faced by the entity and how management controls those risks. This new audit process focuses on business processes instead of accounting cycles. This unique and innovative approach has been developed in response to changing market dynamics. The systematic approach, referred to in the subtitle of the text, reflects the early introduction of three basic concepts that underlie the audit process: materiality, audit risk, and evidence; this allows Messier to build upon this model in subsequent chapters. These are central to everything an auditor does and a unique feature of Messier. As such, this approach facilitates student development of auditor judgment, a vital skill in today's auditing environment.

Auditing & Assurance Services: A Systematic Approach w/ Enron Powerweb

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Auditing & Assurance Services: A Systematic Approach w/ Enron Powerweb
Jr Messier William F.
Manufacturer: Irwin/McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGQJQ4

Book Description

South Africa's Weapons of Mass Destruction offers an in-depth view of the secret development and voluntary disarmament of South Africa's nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons program, Project Coast. Helen E. Purkitt and Stephen F. Burgess explore how systems used for nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons in South Africa were acquired and established beyond the gaze of international and domestic political actors. On the basis of archival evidence from Project Coast and their own extensive interviews with military and political officials, Purkitt and Burgess consider what motivates countries to acquire and build such powerful weaponry and examine when and how decisions are made to dismantle a military arsenal voluntarily. Questions such as how to destroy weapons safely and keep them from reappearing on international markets are considered along with comparative strategies for successful disarmament in other nation-states.

Purkitt, Helen E., and Stephen F. Burgess. South Africa's Weapons of Mass Destruction.(Book review): An article from: Naval War College Review

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Purkitt, Helen E., and Stephen F. Burgess. South Africa's Weapons of Mass Destruction.(Book review): An article from: Naval War College Review
Jonathan Stevenson
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: B000M8NHH8
Release Date: 2006-12-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Naval War College Review, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2006. The length of the article is 570 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: Purkitt, Helen E., and Stephen F. Burgess. South Africa's Weapons of Mass Destruction.(Book review)
Author: Jonathan Stevenson
Publication: Naval War College Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Page: 150(2)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

South Africa's policy on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs

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South Africa's policy on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs

Manufacturer: South African Communication Service on behalf of the Dept. of Foreign Affais
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

International | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

South Africas Weapons of Mass Destruction

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South Africas Weapons of Mass Destruction
Helen E. Purkitt; Stephen F. Burgess
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQD9E4

Book Description

Bug Creek assemblages from Montana, transitional in composition between typical Cretaceous and Paleocene vertebrate faunas, are critical to K-T extinction debates because they have been used to support both gradual and catastrophic K-T extinction scenarios. Geological and palynological data from McGuire Creek indicate that Bug Creek assemblages are Paleocene and restricted to channel fills entrenched into older sediments, suggesting that the Cretaceous component of the assemblage was reworked. Thus, the author concludes, "Paleocene dinosaurs" are an illusion and the K-T survival rate of mammals is low because the presence of Cretaceous mammals in Bug Creek assemblages is also the result of reworking.

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