Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago

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Coulda Woulda Shoulda

A great, but mistitled, book about architecture

Activist criticism at its best

A book for city lovers

critic or confused?

Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago
Blair Kamin
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0226423220

Book Description

For more than a decade, Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin has been writing fiery, intelligent essays on the state of contemporary architecture. His subjects range from high-rises to highways, parks to public housing, Frank Lloyd Wright to Frank Gehry. Why Architecture Matters collects the best of Kamin's acclaimed columns, offering both a look at America's foremost architectural city and a taste of Kamin's penetrating, witty style of critique.

Customer Reviews:

Coulda Woulda Shoulda.......2007-07-18

This is essentially a collection of updated columns from Blair Kamin's 1990s-era reports on the state of architecture in Chicago. In many instances, there are "postscripts" updating the information to the new millenium.

These are pretty good items, but suffer from the architecture critic's foremost risk: the "ain't it awful" trap that can detract from the pure enjoyment of excellent design. "This is a great, beautiful building, but right across the street is a Kwik-E-Mart." Equivocation is an inevitable part of human experience, but it can also sometimes induce a killjoy effect.

Leadership means creating a vision of a preferred future state and then sharing that vision with others. Enthusiam matters. And so do results.

In Chicago architecture today, there is a whole lot more to celebrate than to decry. Let's celebrate more!

A great, but mistitled, book about architecture.......2004-09-04

Okay, first, why mistitled?
This book is a compilation of columns and articles Blair Kamin wrote for the Chicago Tribune. He writes passionately (and well) about architecture, and the book is definitely worth reading. But the title is all wrong. If you want to know "Why Architecture Matters," don't buy this book. It won't tell you. If Kamin has a thesis about why architecture matters, he never comes out and says what it is.
What you will get, if you buy this book, is excellent commentary on the state of contemporary design, particularly as it relates to that most architectural of cities, Chicago. Kamin covers his beat well, and has opinions which are, as Michael Feldman would say, "well reasoned and insightful." Particularly powerful is his extended analysis of how architecture does and does not impact the social pathology of public housing in Chicago. This is great stuff--well researched, well reasoned and well written. Kamin looks past the conventional wisdom about the evils of high-rise public housing to what's really going on there--and whether what's going on has anything to do with the architecture or not. As I said, great stuff.
If he'd just called the book "Architecture Matters," I'd have given him 5 stars. The "Why" in the title begs for a thematic core that, unfortunately, is just not there.

Activist criticism at its best.......2002-02-01

At the heart of this book, a collection of Kamin's Chicago Tribune articles spanning nearly a decade, is the author's adherence to his "consistent but flexible principles" of Activist Criticism. His critiques are not mere assessments of buildings as works of art; they are convincing arguments that as a whole show us the significant role architecture plays in a city. Far too many urban-dwellers blindly take whatever buildings go up around them and fail to realize how architecture shapes their lives, for better or worse, but Kamin implores us and our civic leaders to be more discerning, demanding worthy projects that will strengthen our cities.

Blair Kamin is not just a great critic with sharp insight: he's a terrific writer whose articles are seasoned with wit and a highly readable eloquence. Upon reading his work, it is no surprise that he won a Pulitzer Prize for criticism. It helps to be familiar with Chicago's landmark buildings, but that is not a prerequisite to learning some important lessons. This book is not just pleasure reading for architecture students, but for anyone who cares deeply about the architectural decisions being made in his or her city. By frequently reviewing proposed projects, Kamin goes on the offensive, raising some keen questions that go alarmingly unasked by the developers and politicians involved. This approach, with the resulting influence he wields, has altered the course of events in Chicago many a time (though, sadly, not always). One wishes he had the final approval on all the city's projects before groundbreaking. Architecture, as he says, is the "inescapable art" we all have to live with on a daily basis, and Kamin's activist criticism encourages us to learn from past mistakes in order to form a more livable city.

A book for city lovers.......2002-01-31

He makes clear the difference between a building as a structure and a building as part of a living city. While the examples are mainly from Chicago, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves cities.

critic or confused?.......2002-01-05

Mr. Kamin's obvious lack of experience in actually constructing anything other than useless "Architect-talk" is all over this book. Slanted for those who cannot find their own voice - Kamin reveals nothing but garbled particles of writing, framed within his false exhalted position as critic-extraordinaire.

Why buildings matter should be re-released and re-titled "why do we need architecture critics?" I have walked down the streets of NYC and learned more about why architecture matters. Buildings are inert without the culture surrounding them. Critics are inert without practical experience to draw from.

pass on the book, grab a coffee and stroll the streets of your hometown instead.

Pass of Kamin and his pretentious thesaurus of architectural "criticism".

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Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago
Blair Kamin
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPMFHC

Average customer rating:
Why Architecture Matters: Lessons from Chicago
Blair Kamin
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPHJOQ

Book Description

What little girl doesn't dream of becoming a ballerina-of tutus and slippers, pink ribbons, and recitals. In this beautiful gem of a book, we follow a promising young dancer as she goes through her routine, from doing her hair and learning how to wear pointe shoes to teaching some basics to an even younger dancer. Photographer Nancy Ellison has captured the fantasy, while former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Susan Jaffe offers poignant words and sound advice to young girls with the dream to dance.

In the tradition of the bestselling A Very Young Dancer, the book will be treasured by every little girl taking ballet class. Moreover, Becoming a Ballerina is a gorgeous, charming package, a book that will remain on girls' bookshelves long after they put away their ballet slippers. With a human interest element as well as an instructional component, the book will teach and inspire young dancers. Readers will learn the combination of talent, hard work, and determination required, even at a young age, to become a professional dancer.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for a young dancer.......2005-02-09

This is a wonderful book for an aspiring ballerina during her first few years - I'd say up to about age 10. It is more substantial than most "ballerina" books, but isn't just heavy technique that are in adult ballet books. It really fills the niche for that age group.

awesome.......2005-01-07

I couldn't believe someone wrote a book about Alex Dobles! She used to dance in the Nutcracker that I dance in. She is really amazing and dances at a top NYC school.

Awesome book.......2004-10-11

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this book. I know the girl!! her name is Alexandra Dobles and she's a friend of mine. We did ballet together many years ago and she has exceptional talent. Her focus is so strong, she is an amazing dancer. She dances in New York City in one of the top ballet schools there. I am sure that you will love this book as she has much talent.

Book Description

This book looks afresh, from a philosophical perspective, on the role economic theory plays in present-day ecological policy. It starts from fundamental questions concerning the nature of the problem of sustainability, of politics, and of economic science. It confronts the results of this investigation with the theoretical work of two prominent present-day economists. This book is written at a high academic level. It will be of interest to environmentalists, environmental economists, and for policy people charged with ecological problems.

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El futuro está olvidado: sin crecimiento ni inversión.: An article from: Siempre!
Agustín Rodríguez Trejo
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000823O6W
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Thomson Gale on March 7, 2004. The length of the article is 425 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: El futuro está olvidado: sin crecimiento ni inversión.
Author: Agustín Rodríguez Trejo
Publication: Siempre! (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 7, 2004
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 50 Issue: 2647 Page: 47(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Evaluacion Economica De Inversiones. (book reviews): An article from: Engineering Economist

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Evaluacion Economica De Inversiones. (book reviews): An article from: Engineering Economist
Carlos J. Gonzales
Manufacturer: Institute of Industrial Engineers, Inc. (IIE)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Engineering Economist, published by Institute of Industrial Engineers, Inc. (IIE) on January 1, 1993. The length of the article is 529 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: Evaluacion Economica De Inversiones. (book reviews)
Author: Carlos J. Gonzales
Publication: Engineering Economist (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 1993
Publisher: Institute of Industrial Engineers, Inc. (IIE)
Volume: v38 Issue: n2 Page: p153(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Los capitales ya no vienen: gobierno sin rumbo.(la inversión extranjera en México ): An article from: Siempre!

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Los capitales ya no vienen: gobierno sin rumbo.(la inversión extranjera en México ): An article from: Siempre!
Agustín Rodríguez Trejo
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000821NZ6
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Thomson Gale on January 25, 2004. The length of the article is 519 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: Los capitales ya no vienen: gobierno sin rumbo.(la inversión extranjera en México )
Author: Agustín Rodríguez Trejo
Publication: Siempre! (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 25, 2004
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 50 Issue: 2641 Page: 48(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Negocios inconfesables.(apertura del sector petrolero venezolano durante mandato de Hugo Chávez): An article from: Proceso

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Negocios inconfesables.(apertura del sector petrolero venezolano durante mandato de Hugo Chávez): An article from: Proceso
Sanjuana Martínez
Manufacturer: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00084HBD2
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Proceso, published by CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V. on August 22, 2004. The length of the article is 2105 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: Negocios inconfesables.(apertura del sector petrolero venezolano durante mandato de Hugo Chávez)
Author: Sanjuana Martínez
Publication: Proceso (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 22, 2004
Publisher: CISA Comunicacion e Informacion, S.A. de C.V.
Issue: 1451 Page: 56(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Reforma del derecho mercantil de Japon y la posibilidad de expansion de las actividades empresariales mexicanas.: An article from: Carta Económica Regional

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Reforma del derecho mercantil de Japon y la posibilidad de expansion de las actividades empresariales mexicanas.: An article from: Carta Económica Regional
Taku Okabe
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000SKKEOE
Release Date: 2007-06-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Carta Económica Regional, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2006. The length of the article is 10730 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: Reforma del derecho mercantil de Japon y la posibilidad de expansion de las actividades empresariales mexicanas.
Author: Taku Okabe
Publication: Carta Económica Regional (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 18 Issue: 95 Page: 42(13)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Evaluacion Economica de Inversiones
Rodrigo Varela
Manufacturer: Grupo Editorial Norma
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Theory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Reveals the tools, tactics and strategies that financial industry executives can use to realign and revitalize their retail banking organizations. The primary focus is on the needs and expectations of customers. Explores not only breakthrough technologies but innovative uses of conventional technology and refreshed or enhanced systems to add value to any retail banking operation. Contains practical advice, suggestions, and insights offered by scores of bankers. Topics include information and integration; teller system and service imperatives; platform automation; electronic banking; innovative products and packages; marketing information systems; sales and staff performance; branch bank merchandising and more.

Book Description

The Other Game of Golf: Practical Principles & Strategies for Business on the Course, is not a book of "tips" or "how to's," but a "when you" book; a concise, insightful, trustworthy companion for both the novice and experienced players. It will help you understand the subtle elements that characterize the complex protocols surrounding business golf and what to do when you decide to practice and play golf's "other game."

The Other Game of Golf doesn't focus on how to hit a ball, or select equipment. Instead the authors; an experienced investment banker and a championship player with his own successful business, and a writer; define and organize a series of 45 easily recalled one-sentence principles. Understanding these principles will enable you to function confidently in a sophisticated business-golf enviroment-projecting a high level of perceived performance-regardless of your personal level of playing skill.

The Other Game of Golf provides you the previously uncollected rules of the business game-an adroit synthesis of strategic social and tactical psycological skills

Customer Reviews:

Very insightful.......2000-02-08

Mr. Amster sure knows his stuff! I learned plenty of life lessons from his book. It's a must read.

Very insightful.......2000-02-08

Mr. Amster sure knows his stuff! I learned plenty of life lessons from his book. It's a must read.

Business Golf Primer.......1999-12-22

I found the book to be very informative and also provided simple anecdotes to akward situations that occur on and around a golf course

Amster nails the inner core of the grand old game........1999-10-29

Like a blistering drive bisecting the fairway, Brian Amster's first book goes to the very heart of every golfer's vision for the game. The authors take what for most is merely a passtime and make it something truly beneficial. What insight. What charisma. Truly, a must read for every golfer and person interested in developing their inner self.

Book Description

The rat race of being a legal secretary, and a good one at that, can take its toll on one's mind, body and soul. To survive, you have to have humor. Legal secretary or not, everyone can appreciate this inside look into the lives, personalities and attitudes of these professional men and women who have earned the title "Legal Secretary."

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Self-Esteem for Tots to Teens: How You Can Help Your Children Feel More Confident and Lovable
Eugene Anderson , George Redman , and Charlotte Rogers
Manufacturer: Parenting & Teaching Publications, Incorporat
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Marriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1879276003

Book Description

The war in Iraq and the problematic military occupation of that country have called into question the adequacy of America's all-volunteer force. Politicians and others have expressed doubts about its equity and capability; some have called for the reinstatement of the draft. Yet over the past twenty years the all-volunteer military has become a technologically advanced force that has contributed to America's overall military advantage. This book analyzes current military pay and personnel policies and identifies changes needed to maintain and improve America's all-volunteer force.

Filling the Ranks argues that to attract qualified and motivated volunteers, the armed forces need to offer better tangible inducements -- pay, benefits, and training -- to accompany such intangible rewards as pride in serving one's country. Many of the policies related to tangible rewards were established shortly after World War II and are no longer effective. Filling the Ranks presents detailed assessments of US military pay and personnel policies in light of the strategic, demographic, economic, and labor realities of the future. It identifies specific problems that today's military career patterns, training, pay, and benefits pose for officers and enlisted men and women in both active duty and reserve forces, discussing such issues as competition with the private sector for talent, the need to restructure compensation, and provision of family support. It offers recommendations for more flexible, adaptive, and effective policies and a blueprint for achieving them.

Customer Reviews:

Recruiting for Uncle Sam.......2004-07-01

This book should be read by everyone concerned about the massive US defense budget or interested in the future of the US military. As technology and tactics evolve, so must those who employ them. In these well-written essays, Cindy Williams and her colleagues lay out strategies for improving the personnel system in the military while saving taxpayer money. Although some might find personnel a dry topic, the stakes in play - billions of dollars and national security, are anything but. Highly recommended to policy-makers and those who aspire to that title.

Book Description

Each year a wide variety of birds and numerous birders flock to Mississippi's Gulf Coast, making it one of the most exciting bird watching locations in the U.S. In this definitive guidebook, three seasoned Mississippi birders lead the reader through the area's swamps, forests, and beaches, dispensing plenty of insider advice along the way. Maps and bar graphs illustrating monthly probability of occurrence ensure that, no matter what time of year, visitors will find a trip to the region to be a rewarding birding experience. Includes listings for all coastal species and the months in which they appear as well as detailed maps for Lamar, Forrest, Perry, Greene, Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties.

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