Architecture Art

Through engaging storytelling, human behavior insights, and proven design techniques, Kevin Kelley—an attention architect and cofounder of Shook Kelley, a strategic design firm that pioneered the field of "convening"—unfolds why physical places are essential to civil society, business, and community.

Fiona MacCarthy challenges the image of Gropius as a doctrinaire architectural rationalist, bringing out the visionary philosophy and courage that carried him through a politically hostile age. Pilloried by Tom Wolfe as inventor of the monolithic high-rise, Gropius is better remembered as inventor of a form of art education that influenced schools worldwide. He viewed argument as intrinsic to creativity. Unusually for one in his position, Gropius encouraged women's artistic endeavors and sought equal romantic partners.

We are living through a global catastrophe. Buildings affect how we feel, moment by moment, day by day. They have the power to lift us up and make us feel awestruck, playful, safe, and inspired, just as they can make us feel alienated and sad. But many of the places where we live, work, learn, and heal have become monotonous and disposable. We’re surrounded by cheap, boring buildings that make people stressed, sick, and unhappy. In short, much of our world has been crafted in a way that is hostile to human experience.

#1 Kids Indie Next List * Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of the Year * SLJ Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * Junior Library Guild Selection * Edgar Award Nominee * Four Starred Reviews * Bank Street Best Children’s...

In Battle of the Skyscrapers, we take you through the evolution of humanity's tallest architectural wonders. Crossing oceans and spanning the years since the first skyscraper, this book clues you in on how different eras and cities have aimed for the sky over the decades, observing the shifts in culture, economy, wealth, power, and technology that have driven humanity's race to go even higher.

Legal scholar and architect Sara C. Bronin examines how zoning became such a prevailing force and reveals its impact. Outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritized cars over people, and enabled great ecological harm. But, as Bronin argues, once we recognize the power of zoning, we can harness it to create the communities we desire, and deserve. Drawing on her own experience leading the overhaul of Hartford's zoning code and exploring the efforts of activists and city planners across the country, Bronin shows how new codes are reshaping our cities.

Do you know what architecture is? It is the art of designing and constructing buildings! Learn the different variables architects consider in the design of a building. Discover how buildings differ all over the world—where building materials from nature are used like mud, ice, and sod! How have buildings changed through history and new technology?

Have you ever wondered why the Tower of Pisa isn’t straight? Find out how this famous tower started to lean. Learn how the tower was built and the ways architects have tried to fix it. Find out how this famous tourist attraction became the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Big cities will soon boast supertall and megatall skyscrapers. This means we’ll need elevators that can safely handle them! Engineers are busy rising to the challenge of designing high tech elevators to help people reach these new heights.

Have you ever wondered how skyscrapers are built? It takes many workers to design and build a skyscraper. Learn about the architects, engineers, and contractors that turn an idea into a building!

Cable-stayed bridges are one of six main types of bridges built around the world. Learn about the Zakim Bridge in Boston and try the activity to see how cable-stayed bridges are so strong. Can you guess how strong a cable-stayed bridge is?

For engineers and architects, mistakes are part of the creative process. Learn why the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans, how the reflections from the Walt Disney Concert Hall caused a heat ray, and what engineers and architects did to solve these types of problems.

Making the perfect mirror surface of Chicago's Cloud Gate sculpture took a lot of work.

The story of the skyscraper began more than 3,000 years ago.

What famous castle is said to have inspired the castle at Walt Disney World? How many rooms does the Palace of Versailles have? Listeners will find these answers and more as they learn about the history, secrets, architecture, and specific rooms of some of the world's most elaborate castles and palaces. This volume includes Forbidden City, Grand Palace, and King Ludwig's Castle.

What famous castle is said to have inspired the castle at Walt Disney World? How many rooms does the Palace of Versailles have? Listeners will find these answers and more as they learn about the history, secrets, architecture, and specific rooms of some of the world's most elaborate castles and palaces. This volume includes Buckingham Palace, Dracula's Castle, and Edinburgh Castle.

What famous castle is said to have inspired the castle at Walt Disney World? How many rooms does the Palace of Versailles have? Listeners will find these answers and more as they learn about the history, secrets, architecture, and specific rooms of some of the world's most elaborate castles and palaces. This volume includes Palace of Versailles and Windsor Castle.

What does it take to make a strong bridge? Gather some supplies and try it out for yourself! Discover tips and ideas on how to build the best bridge around!

What does it take to make a marble run? Gather some supplies and try it out for yourself! Discover tips and ideas on how to build the best marble run around!

Have you ever seen a fractal? You probably have, and just didn’t know it! These repeating shapes can happen anywhere, whether in nature or in math—it’s easy to make one out of a series of lines and triangles! Follow along and make a fractal of your own in a fun craft.