Book

The Edifice Complex

Name: The Edifice Complex
ISBN: 9780143038016

How the Rich and Powerful--and Their Architects--shape the World

Deyan Sudjic

Penguin Publishing Group · Print & ebook · November 28, 2006

Reading lane: Contemporary Architecture (1945-)

Contemporary Architecture (1945-)Modern Architecture (to 1945)Architect Monographs political

science philosophy

Read It On Amazon Browse Lists

At a Glance

Why This Clicks

Power Made Visible

A sharp-eyed reading of architecture as power, from dictators’ grand projects to presidential-library excess.

Come here for

Architecture treated as political expression, not just auteur art
A closer look at the ambitions behind famous buildings

Expect

A provocative lens on Stalin, Hitler, and presidential libraries
Architects including Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry in a new light

Book Details

Authors: Deyan Sudjic
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: November 28, 2006
Format: Print & ebook
Theme: Contemporary Architecture (1945-) · Modern Architecture (to 1945)
Reading lane: Contemporary Architecture (1945-)

Affinity

Publisher Categories

Why Buildings Look That Way
Contemporary Architecture (1945-)
Urban & Land Use Planning

About This Book

Read full 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. * A Washington Post Book World Best Book of the Year