Learning from Las Vegas - Revised Edition: The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form

Book Description

Learning from Las Vegas created a healthy controversy on its appearance in 1972, calling for architects to be more receptive to the tastes and values of "common" people and less immodest in their erections of "heroic," self-aggrandizing monuments.

This revision includes the full texts of Part I of the original, on the Las Vegas strip, and Part II, "Ugly and Ordinary Architecture, or the Decorated Shed," a generalization from the findings of the first part on symbolism in architecture and the iconography of urban sprawl. (The final part of the first edition, on the architectural work of the firm Venturi and Rauch, is not included in the revision.) The new paperback edition has a smaller format, fewer pictures, and a considerably lower price than the original. There are an added preface by Scott Brown and a bibliography of writings by the members of Venturi and Rauch and about the firm's work.

Customer Reviews:

as an argument of theory..........2007-03-03

this book is extremely condensed into a multitude of thumbnails or panoramas and text that never fails to reiterate its point. i mean, these two architects really understand the idea of symbols, suggestions, and sheds but after a dozen pages on one idea, you already get the point.

the images are really helpful in exemplifying the amount of criticism for or against the city ("idea") of las vegas.

An Architectural Nightmare.......2004-01-18

This is a quite unusual and offbeat treatise on architectural theory, as applied to the world's greatest architectural monstrosity - Las Vegas. This analysis from the early 1970s is obviously outdated because Las Vegas hadn't yet become the monument to megalomania and excess that it is today, but it was already well on its way. The authors analyze Vegas' unique usages of space, lighting, placement, transportation, and building design for the purposes of communication and promotion. Strange chapter titles give a clue to the left-field analysis in store, and the authors have a clear sense of irony, underhandedly implying that Vegas presents the worst in architecture while they appear to be praising its uniqueness. Unfortunately the narrative gets bogged down in dense professor-speak terminology like "Brazilianoid" and "neo-Constructivist megastructures," along with a general overload of obtuse theory. Add to that the poor-quality and under-elaborated illustrations and you have a book that sacrifices insight and readability in favor of pedantic attempts to impress the authors' colleagues. [~doomsdayer520~]

Read this book to learn what you shouldn't do as an architec.......2001-07-10

Read this book to learn what you shouldn't do as an architect!

This book follows Venturi's "Complexity and Contradiction", where you can learn how cynically to use casement windows in housing for the elderly where the elderly will happily put their plastic flowers in the windows, but *you* secretly know these are not really hormal casement windows, since they are out of scale (like fascist architecture's lack of scale?).

This book will tell you about ducks and decorated sheds, but it will tell you nothing about building spaces which nourish creative human community. Try Louis Kahn (e.g., John Lobell's lovely little book "Between Silence and Light"). My postmodernist teachers at Harvard said Kahn's writings were incomprehensible, which says more about them than about him.

Read Lobell's book and learn why, e.g., a city might deserve to exist. Remember: Only *you* can get beyond postmodernism!

Brilliant study of signage and architecture.......1999-09-10

Robert Venturi's study of the Las Vegas signage phenomena and it's impact on "architecture" is brilliant in it's scope. While written almost twenty five years ago, this book gains more and more pertinence as we as a society progress further into a "reality" of symbols, reproductions and representations. These words and thoughts are basically essential to the understanding of any city anymore, not just Las Vegas. Where this book misses the mark though is in the execution, as shown in Venturi's work, of these ideas. The projects put forth seem to pale in comparison to the implications the text actually has. These notions of architecture are by far some of the most relevant and important in modern theory today, it is unfortunate that their full potential could not be realized in these projects.... but maybe that is for you and I to do.

A classic in architecture theory.......1999-06-29

The title "father of Post Modernism" has been appropriately assigned to Robert Venturi....and it began with this book: Learning from Las Vegas. Written at a time when minimalism in art, and "form follows function" in architecture were the dominant ideas, Venturi et al threw down the gauntlet in challenging the practicing and accademic establishment with such sacriligious slogans as "Less is a bore" (challenging the modernist notion "Less is more")

Venturi should open the eyes of readers who self rightiously condemn today's highway commercial architecture and signage. Venturi challenges us to look at this urbanscape with fresh eyes...to see and understand the order (both functional and visual) in what we have been conditioned to condemn.

The book is well illustrated and gives examples of "the duck" and the "decorated shed" as metaphorical strategies to attract attention to highway commericial buildings.Anyone interested in architecture history and contemporary planning issues should read this book. It may piss you off, but it might also open your eyes to new ways of seeing.

Book Description

Long famed for glitz, dining in Las Vegas is evolving into something just as fun, but far more sophisticated. This guide showcases the hippest destinations on and off the fabled Strip. You'll find both inspiring local spots and Vegas outposts of chic restaurants from other US cities. So when you tire of winning money, you'll know all the best places to dine with the other high rollers!

Customer Reviews:

THE look at high-class Las Vegas restaurants.......2007-09-03

This is a great book for looking at Las Vegas restaurants. It covers famous restaurants of various styles from numerous Las Vegas casinos. It includes both detailed photos and recipes from high-caliber chefs. If you are a Vegas or restaurant fan, buy it.

Average customer rating:

Las Vegas: A Pictorial Celebration
Michael S. Green
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Pictorial | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1402723857

Book Description

Fueled by the poker craze and hit TV shows, Las Vegas is hot, with more than 37 million visitors annually. But the city is more than just bright lights and blackjack, as Michael Green, professor and Editor-in-Chief of the Nevada Historical Society Quarterly proves. Follow the fascinating, sometimes scandalous stories behind the glittery façade with splendid images that capture both the man-made glitz and nature's splendor. Experience the old-from the Mojave Desert to the downtown Paiute colony-that offers a refreshing change of pace from the central action. Go into the neighborhoods where locals live their everyday lives. And, of course, walk down every inch of the famous Strip: hotels and casinos; fun sites such as the Elvis-O-Rama Museum; and arcades, malls, bars, and landmarks.

Building Hoover Dam: An Oral History of the Great Depression

Average customer rating:

Building Hoover Dam: An Oral History of the Great Depression
Andrew J. Dunar , and Dennis McBride
Manufacturer: University of Nevada Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0874174899

Book Description

Building Hoover Dam is the most intriguing book ever written about one of the modern architectural wonders of the world. Andrew J. Dunar and Dennis McBride skillfully interweave first-hand accounts of a fascinating group of eyewitnesses. Their stories create the richest existing portrait of the building of Hoover Dam and its tremendous effect on the lives of those involved in its creation: the gritty, sometimes grisly realities of living in cardboard boxes and tents during several of the hottest Southern Nevada summers on record; the fearsome carbon monoxide deaths of tunnel builders who, it was claimed, had died of "pneumonia"; the uproarious life of nearby Las Vegas versus the tightly controlled existence of the workers in the built-overnight confines of Boulder City; and of course the astounding accomplishment of building the Dam itself and completing the task not only early but under budget!

The Maverick Spirit: Building the New Nevada (Wilbur S. Shepperson Series in History and Humanities)

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The Maverick Spirit: Building the New Nevada (Wilbur S. Shepperson Series in History and Humanities)

Manufacturer: University of Nevada Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0874173272

Book Description

A collection of fourteen biographical essays on contemporary Nevadans.

Viva Las Vegas: After-Hours Architecture

Average customer rating:

A must for the Las Vegas architecture junkie...
A MUST buy for the Las Vegas afficianado!

Viva Las Vegas: After-Hours Architecture
Alan Hess
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Criticism | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 081180111X

Book Description

As eccentric and entertaining as its subject matter, Viva Las Vegas examines the architectural and historical evolution of America's original strip city, from its modest origins as a sleepy roadside stop to the neon splendor of its extravagant "theme" hotels. Illustrated with fascinating contemporary and archival photographs, this inviting, informative volume offers an intriguing look into the kitsch and complexities of a unique and provocative Clty.

Customer Reviews:

A must for the Las Vegas architecture junkie..........2001-07-31

I've read other Alan Hess books- Googie come to mind. I really enjoyed Hess's style for this book. Alan Hess writes an occasional column for the San Jose Mercury News concerning architecture. He did not leave me disappointed with this book. It was evident that Alan Hess enjoyed this place as much as I did on my last visit to Sin City!

This book came out in 1993. If you're looking for information on the newer hotels that have sprung up, the ones that came and left during then and now, you won't find it here. You will find details about the ones that were imploded during the 90's, which was a nice resource for those of us that were curious about the Sands, Dunes, Hacienda and the Aladdin. It's also an indication of just how much the strip has evolved from the timeline of the publishing of this book and what is the strip looks today, year 2001. An excellent study of the architecture changes of Vegas and its reflections on the rest of the U.S.

A MUST buy for the Las Vegas afficianado!.......1999-09-07

If you buy one book about the colorful history and architecture of the Golden Age of Las Vegas to the present, THIS IS IT!!! This wonderful book is expertly researched with many many old drawings, postcards, photos, and more!

Average customer rating:

Nevada City (CA) (Images of America)
Maria E. Brower
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 073853062X
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Book Description

Vibrant and captivating Nevada City began as a gold-mining camp called Deer Creek Dry Diggins. The large gravel deposits alongside this creek reportedly delivered a pound of pay dirt a day by the fall of 1849, when A. B. Caldwell's general store opened to supply this haphazard collection of tents. By March 1850, somewhere between 6,000 and 16,000 boisterous souls called it home, and the new town was christened “Nevada,” meaning “snow covered” in Spanish. After 1861, townsfolk took to adding “City” to the name, to avoid confusion with the new state whose Comstock silver strike drained off many Nevada City residents.

Seven fires burned early Nevada City to the ground,

sparking a fashion for brick architecture that is evident

in many of the 93 downtown structures listed on the

National Register of Historic Places.

Space, Light, And Harmony: The Story of Crystal Hermitage

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Space, Light, And Harmony: The Story of Crystal Hermitage
J. Donald Walters
Manufacturer: Crystal Clarity Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Design & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Mental & Spiritual Healing | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Space, Light, and Harmony is an adventure in design, building, and living. It is the truestory of the evolution of a homefrom initial planning to interior decoratingthatserves as a powerful metaphor for personal development.Years ago, J. Donald Walters withdrew to the woods in a personal search for clarity. Indesigning his home, he felt that it must reflect this inner search. In the process of building,the author explores practical topics such as what a home should express, architecturalchoices, interior design, and how to select art for your home. He also discusses deeperprinciples behind these choices such as the importance of myth, the meaning of friendship,and the need to find balance in our lives. Four-color photographs throughout, presented ina gift-book format.J. Donald Walters is the founder of the seven Ananda communities and is the author ofover 80 books and the composer of more than 400 pieces of music. His books and musichave sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 27 languages.

Building for God's Glory - St James the Apostle Catholic Church Cookbook - Las Vegas Nevada

Average customer rating:

Building for God's Glory - St James the Apostle Catholic Church Cookbook - Las Vegas Nevada
various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000V9AI6G

Product Description

includes Ritz Cracker Delight

Buildings of Nevada (Buildings of the United States)

Average customer rating:

Buildings of Nevada- Caveats
Comprehensive, Fascinating, Revealing
Indispensable!
Indispensable!

Buildings of Nevada (Buildings of the United States)
Julie Nicoletta
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Landlocked, arid, and infertile, Nevada is one of the least hospitable regions in the United States. Although it is dominated by its wild landscape, Nevada boasts a colorful human history and a rich architectural heritage. This volume, the newest in the acclaimed Buildings of the United States series, offers a comprehensive tour of Nevada's highly distinctive architecture-from old ghost mining towns to the Las Vegas strip, pioneer forts to mega casinos, the silent majesty of the Hoover Dam to the quirkiness of drive-in wedding chapels. Organized by region, the book is a fascinating survey of more than 200 historic sites, including churches, courthouses, schools, homes, historic railroads, copper mines, forts, hotels, and more. Detailed descriptions set all of these diverse forms of building into social, political, historical, and stylistic context. Featuring 250 original photographs, maps, and drawings, this extraordinary volume is the most complete guide of its kind.

Customer Reviews:

Buildings of Nevada- Caveats.......2007-05-14

This book, while rich in its coverage of buildings throughout the Sagebrush State, does have its drawbacks. Some of the quotations regarding the architects list incorrect names that were taken from other sources that were incorrect. (Example: There is no John M. Curtis, architect in Nevada. The name is taken from another book that incorrectly quotes his name.) Also, there is a dearth of pictures and coverage of private homes and mansions. (Space may be the issue here). In some cases, the designation for certain architectural buildings such as certain blocks within the towns is unclear: a map would have helped. Overall, the book is worthwhile, but do not trust its content 100%!

Comprehensive, Fascinating, Revealing.......2001-05-21

If you think it's all just casinos and tacky wedding chapels, read this book. Who would have thought Nevada, of all places, had such a rich architectural heritage? Nicoletta covers the history of Nevada, from wickiups to atomic test sites to the latest reinvention of the Las Vegas Strip, and everything in between, with clarity, conciseness, and keen observation. Her descriptions, precise without being dry or overly technical, bring to life not only the buildings but the individuals and communities that built them. I can open this book to any random page and be hooked by a fascinating, unexpected tidbit. The book also contains a helpful glossary of architectural terms, a thorough bibliography, and index. My only complaint is I would have liked even more of Bret Morgan's excellent photographs.

Indispensable!.......2000-10-30

The one and only book on this subject, BUILDINGS OF NEVADA is thoroughly researched and wittily opinionated. It ventures far beyond the familiar territory of Hoover Dam and Las Vegas, to explore boom towns and ghost towns, courthouses and whorehouses.

It will be indispensable for anyone interested in understanding the history and psychology of the Old West. Loaded with helpful maps and photos, it's also a great travel companion for anyone who interested in seeing more of Nevada than the view from I-80.

Indispensable!.......2000-10-30

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