Presents a history of American architecture, from the first civilizations in America to the present.

This book presents a collection of recent writings on architecture and urbanism in the United States, with topics ranging from colonial to contemporary times.

In this volume the author analyzes 400 architectural books and articles published over the past 150 years to reveal changing societal preferences in architecture and to measure the reputations of individual architects - the text includes a ranked list of the 100 most famous architects.

Why does one talented individual win lasting recognition in a particular field, while another equally talented person does not? While there are many possible reasons, one obvious answer is that something more than talent is requisite to produce fame. The "something more" in the field of architecture, asserts Roxanne Williamson, is the association with a "famous" architect at the moment he or she first receives major publicity or designs the building for which he or she will eventually be celebrated. In this study of more than six hundred American architects who have achieved a place in architectural histories, Williamson finds that only a small minority do not fit the "right person–right time" pattern. She traces the apprenticeship connection in case studies of Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Hobson Richardson, the firm of McKim, Mead & White, Latrobe and his descendants, the Bulfinch and Renwick Lines, the European immigrant masters, and Louis Kahn. Although she acknowledges and discusses the importance of family connections, the right schools, self-promotion, scholarships, design competition awards, and promotion by important journals, Williamson maintains that the apprenticeship connection is the single most important predictor of architectural fame. She offers the intriguing hypothesis that what is transferred in the relationship is not a particular style or approach but rather the courage and self-confidence to be true to one's own vision. Perhaps, she says, this is the case in all the arts. American Architects and the Mechanics of Fame is sure to provoke thought and comment in architecture and other creative fields.

Have you ever been intrigued by a beautiful building and wondered when it was built? Identifying American Architecture provides the answer to such questions in a concise handbook perfect for preservationists, architects, students, and tourists alike. With 214 photographs, it allows readers to associate real buildings with architectural styles, elements, and orders. Identifying American Architecture was designed to be used--carried about and kept handy for frequent reference. Every photograph is keyed to an explanatory legend pointing out characteristic features of each building's style. Trade bookstores order from W.W. Norton, NY

What turns a building into an icon? What is it about some structures that makes their history and legend even more important than their original intended use, making them a part of American, and world, popular culture? Twenty four buildings and structures, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the White House, the Hotel del Coronado, and the Washington Monument are presented here, along with their roles in fiction, film, music, and the imagination of people worldwide. Approximately twenty five images are included in the set, along with sidebars featuring additional structures.

This survey provides a unique overview of 1,000-years of architectural development.

This widely acclaimed, highly illustrated introduction to the history of American architecture is now fully revised throughout. American Architecture introduces readers to the major developments that shaped the American-built environment from the first Americans to the present, from the everyday vernacular to the high style of aspiration. Significant updates include: A new chapter on the 21st century, detailing the green architecture movement and LEED status architecture, the influence of CAD design on recent architecture, the necessity of sustainable design, the globalization of architecture and international architects, and some of the preservation issues facing architecture today. An expanded section on Native American architecture including contemporary design by Native American architects, expanded discussions on architectural education and training, more examples of women architects and designers, and a thoroughly expanded glossary to help today's readers. A revised and expanded art program, including over 640 black and white images, and a new 32-page, full-color insert featuring over 60 new color images. American Architecture describes the impact of changes in conceptual imagery, style, building technology, landscape design, vernacular construction, and town-planning theory throughout U.S. history. Eleven chronologically organized chapters chart the social, cultural, and political forces that shaped the growth and development of American towns, cities, and suburbs, while providing full description, analysis, and interpretation of buildings and their architects. Accessible and engaging, American Architecture continues to set the standard as a guide, study, and reference.

American Architects and the Single-Family Home explains how a small group of architects started the Architects’ Small House Service Bureau in 1919 and changed the course of twentieth-century residential design for the better. Concepts and principles they developed related to public spaces, private spaces, and service spaces for living; details about the books they published to promote good design; as well as new essays from contemporary practitioners will inspire your own designs. More than 200 black and white images.

Since 1865 African-American architects have been designing and building houses and public buildings, but the architects are virtually unknown. This work brings their lives and work to light for the first time.