Reviews

Architectural Record editors and critics review the latest books, films, and exhibitions about architecture and design.

ARTICLES

Review of 'John S. Chase—The Chase Residence'

By David Heymann and Stephen Fox

Miriam Sitz

November 12, 2020

One Comment

A new book sheds light on a significant but little-known house in Houston that a pioneering Black architect designed and later remodeled for his family.

Review of 'The Routledge Companion to Italian Fascist Architecture: Reception and Legacy'

By Kay Bea Jones and Stephanie Pilat

David Rifkind, Ph.D.

November 10, 2020

No Comments

A new book by By Kay Bea Jones and Stephanie Pilat interprets and explores the enduring popularity of Italian fascist-era architecture.

Review of 'Modern Architecture and Climate: Design Before Air Conditioning'

By Daniel A. Barber

Russell Fortmeyer

October 8, 2020

No Comments

Architecture’s past could be a key to a more climate-friendly future, which is the case the architectural historian Daniel A. Barber makes in his new book.

Review of 'Hans Scharoun and the Development of Small Apartment Floor Plans: The Residential High-Rises Romeo and Julia 1954–1959'

By Markus Peter and Ulrike Tillmann

Josephine Minutillo

October 7, 2020

No Comments

Every now and then, an architecture book comes along that reminds you of all the things you love about architecture.

Review of 'Modern in the Middle: Chicago Houses 1929–1975'

By Susan Benjamin and Michelangelo Sabatino

Paul Makovsky

September 8, 2020

No Comments

Preservationist Susan Benjamin and architect and historian Michelangelo Sabatino survey the classic 20^th-century single family homes that defined American Midwestern Modernism.

Review of 'Disposable City: Miami’s Future on the Shores of Climate Catastrophe'

By Mario Alejandro Ariza

Terence Riley

September 7, 2020

No Comments

A well-researched book by Mario Alejandro Ariza explores the future of Miami and South Florida in the face of the climate crisis and rising seas.

Review of 'The Shenzhen Experiment: The Story of China's Instant City'

By Juan Du

Daniel Brook

August 4, 2020

No Comments

In a new book, architect Juan Du argues that the upstart city of Shenzhen, founded in 1981, has taken on a life of its own, far exceeding its planners’ blueprints.

Remembering Enric Miralles: Two New Books

Fabian Llonch

July 24, 2020

No Comments

Architect and educator Fabian Llonch reflects on his late mentor Enric Miralles, the Spanish architect and cofounder of EMBT Architects, who died 20 years ago in July. Two new books survey his work.

Review of 'Making Houston Modern: The Life and Architecture of Howard Barnstone'

Edited by Barrie Scardino Bradley, Stephen Fox, and Michelangelo Sabatino

Josephine Minutillo

July 11, 2020

One Comment

This Texas-sized tome presents a rich history of an “outsider” architect and individual, with stunning archival photography of the inventive buildings and interiors he designed.

Pandemic Gives New Meaning to the Phrase 'Virtual Reality'

Andrew Blum

July 7, 2020

One Comment

The digital world of video games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons has opened up a way of seeing architecture, writes author Andrew Blum.

IMAGE GALLERIES

Three Books on Frank Lloyd Wright

In celebration of the architect's 150th birthday, RECORD reviews three new books on Frank Lloyd Wright's life and work:

The Guggenheim: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Iconoclastic Masterpiece, by Francesco Dal Co
An Organic Architecture: The Architecture of Democracy, by Frank Lloyd Wright, with a new introduction by Andrew Saint
Travels with Frank Lloyd Wright: The First Global Architect, by Gwyn Lloyd Jones

Scroll through the slideshow below to read a mini-review of each.

Retractable Roofs: A Sustainable Solution

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 IACET CEU
May qualify for learning hours through most Canadian architectural associations

A motorized or manual retractable roof, wall, or floor refers to any type of structure where a portion can be moved or retracted to reveal the remainder of the space. A common misconception is that retractable roofs are only used for aquatic centers when in fact, the range of applications is far broader.

Three Hot Topics in Commercial Bathroom and Shower

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 IACET CEU
May qualify for learning hours through most Canadian architectural associations

Commercial bathrooms and showers are a necessary and often integral part of many different building types. Their design is influenced by a wide variety of different factors including codes, standards, cultural norms, changing views on privacy, etc. They can also be seen as security or safety risks in facilities with patients who have behavioral or mental health needs.

Reviews
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ARTICLES

Review of 'John S. Chase—The Chase Residence'

Review of 'The Routledge Companion to Italian Fascist Architecture: Reception and Legacy'

Review of 'Modern Architecture and Climate: Design Before Air Conditioning'

Review of 'Hans Scharoun and the Development of Small Apartment Floor Plans: The Residential High-Rises Romeo and Julia 1954–1959'

Review of 'Modern in the Middle: Chicago Houses 1929–1975'

Review of 'Disposable City: Miami’s Future on the Shores of Climate Catastrophe'

Review of 'The Shenzhen Experiment: The Story of China's Instant City'

Remembering Enric Miralles: Two New Books

Review of 'Making Houston Modern: The Life and Architecture of Howard Barnstone'

Pandemic Gives New Meaning to the Phrase 'Virtual Reality'

IMAGE GALLERIES

Three Books on Frank Lloyd Wright

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IMAGE GALLERIES

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Reviews
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