Taylor and Francis

Taylor and Francis

English

'A timely elucidation of the poetics of use as the fundamental ground on which any architecture of lasting value must be built. The ten works examined exemplify the fusion of the practical and the poetic, remove our focus from exterior form to the inhabited space within, and reveal that a building's most important use is to enrich our experience and enhance the life that takes place in it.' - Robert McCarter, Ruth and Norman Moore Professor of Architecture, Washington University in St. Louis, USA 'In this provocative and well-documented book, Grabow and Spreckelmeyer argue that conventional definitions of functionalism should be expanded, thus enriching our appreciation of significant works of modern architecture.' - David G. De Long, Professor Emeritus of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania, USA 'Compelling in its arguments and clear in its exposition, this book resituates the concept of use at the center of architectural theory and practice where it belongs. Through discussions of literary texts, paintings, music, and cultural history, we see how the art of building can not only accommodate the patterns of our lives but give them legible and beautiful expression.' - David Leatherbarrow, Professor and Chair, Graduate Architecture Group, University of Pennsylvania, USA 'This wonderfully clear-headed book serves as an antidote to the empty formalism of so much of today’s architectural avant-garde. Grabow and Spreckelmeyer show, in ten eloquent case-studies, how great architecture arises out of an elevated understanding of human activities and social relationships; and how the best buildings don’t just function, but inspire us to do and to be well. This book demonstrates how the meaning of buildings often comes from the institutions they house, providing architecture with its content as well as its contents.' - Thomas Fisher, Professor of Architecture and Dean, College of Design, University of Minnesota, USA 'A pair of well-credentialed architecture professors, Grabow and Spreckelmeyer (both, Univ. of Kansas), aim a pair of much-needed barbs at the profession’s stars and their boosters and wannabes: pay greater attention to functions than to novel forms, and make well-functioning buildings pleasant places to be. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.' – CHOICE, C. W. Westfall, University of Notre Dame