The Edifice Complex

Description

A provocative look at architecture—"exceptionally intelligent and original" (Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post Book World)Deyan Sudjic—"probably the most influential figure in architecture you've never heard of" — argues that architecture, far from being auteur art, must be understood as a naked expression of power. From the grandiose projects of Stalin and Hitler to the "theme park" excess of today's presidential libraries, Sudjic goes behind the scenes of history's great manipulators of building propaganda—and exposes Rem Koolhaas, Frank Gehry, and other architects in a disturbing new light. This controversial book is essential reading for all those interested in the power of architecture—or the architecture of power.

First Sentence

I USED TO KEEP A PHOTOGRAPH TORN FROM A TABLOID PINNED UP over my desk.

Subjects

Other Editions

• The Edifice ComplexElectronic resourcePenguin USA, Inc.2009-01-01
• The Edifice ComplexHardcoverAllen Lane2005-06-02
• The Edifice ComplexHardcoverPenguin Press HC, The2005-11-03
• The edifice complexPenguin Press2006-01-01
• The Edifice ComplexPenguin (Non-Classics)2006-11-28