Synopses & Reviews
Conceiving of urban design in terms of architectural actions and reactions, Attoe and Logan propose a theory of "catalytic architecture" better suited to specifically American circumstances than the largely European models developed in the last thirty years for the remaking of cities.
After exploring instances of failed attempts to impose European visions on American cities, the authors examine urban design successes that illustrate the principles and goals of catalytic architecture. With a series of case studies they characterize urban design as a controlled evolution, one that must also be strategic, responding to existing elements and guiding those that follow. The authors argue that the failure of American cities to control and guide the energies released in urban development can be prevented by "design guidance". From their own combined experience as urban architects and scholars, they provide a taxonomy of methods to guide urban design toward higher standards and better results.
Synopsis
"Any study which provides a better understanding of the peculiar characteristics of American urbanism, particularly with respect to its real differences from traditional European models, is extremely useful. I found American Urban Architecture thoughtful and provocative and strongly recommend it to all who are involved with the search for better urban design strategies for the American city. Attoe and Logan deserve our attention and respect."Jacquelin T. Robertson, Cooper Robertson + Partners, New York; former Dean, University of Virginia School of Architecture
About the Author
Wayne Attoe is Professor of Architecture at Louisiana State University, a practicing architect, and the author of Skylines: Understanding and Molding Urban Silhouettes and Architecture and the Critical Imagination. Donn Logan is a founding partner of ELS/Elbasani and Logan Architects and has completed many downtown plans and major architectural projects around the nation and abroad. From 1966 to 1986 he was a professor of architecture at the University of California at Berkeley.