An introductory historical survey on the many and creative ways humans
have fought for and against the earth beneath our feet reveals an
architecture that reads the text and texture of the land in three
dimensions. Architecture
Developments in structural engineering have made it possible to engage
the earth's surface as a building element. With an increased awareness
of the planet's limited natural resources and with landscape architects
exerting ever-greater influence on contemporary design, architects
around the world are building into the earth, merging man-made forms
with the contours of the land.
The results are at once preternatural and breathtaking. From Zaha
Hadid's Tram Terminal in France to Antoine Predock's Spencer Theater in
the United States, over fifty projects expose the breadth and depth of
this new direction in architecture.
Aaron Betsky first considers our historical preoccupation with communing
with the land through building. He then explores the ways in which
geotecture responds to, becomes a part of, and yet remains distinctive
within our natural landscape. With the subtext of our planet's power and
beauty, Landscrapers reveals some of the most important, influential,
and appealing building forms for today and the future. 367
illustrations, 290 in color.
