Currently reading....

[Paul Clerkin]

So what architecture books are people currently reading?

[Frank Taylor]

The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton. If you like thauthor's style you'll enjoy this book that explores the connection between built environment and human happiness. I was given two copies for my birthday so if anyone wants a copy just ask.

[ShaneP]

Just about to start the same book myself. Looking forward to reading his articulate take on the subject. Any mention of Piazza Navonna, Rome or Grand Central Station, New York - in it, Frank? I'd imagine a new thread on the most happiness inducing places would provoke a good deal of discussion.

[phil]

I would strongly recommend Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156453800/sr=8-1/qid=1150795292/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5196776-4418214?%5Fencoding=UTF8

I must have a look at that de Botton book. Sounds very interesting. I enjoyed his programs on architecture that were on TV a few years ago.

[AiA]

Interesting subject.
The Life of Henri Brulard by Stendhal one of Aldo Rossi's favourites.

[what?]

Studies in Tectinic Culture by Kenneth Frampton. Outstanding book on the poetics of construction.

[L1]

Accidental City by Robert Fulford, about the development of Toronto. Very good, takes a wide view makes the city seem interesting and highlights its virtues. Also Measuring America by Andrew Linklater and American Notes by Charles Dickens.

[Praxiteles]

Architettura e Controriforma by Francesco Repishti and Richard Schofield

Borromini e l'universo barocco edited by Richard Boesel and Christoph Frommel

[jack305]

You can read " The anaesthetics of architecture" by Neil Leach and you opened your eyes about the real speech in architecture, I read this book in my native language ( Spanish) and I found this writer cool

Jack

[McTavish]

So what architecture books are people currently reading?

Reading "The Architecture of Happiness" a popular choice it seems...why not try "Modern Architecture and design (Analternative History) By Bill Risebero. I think you can probably get it in UCD Bookshop/Library. particularly relevant today i feel... what with this lemming-like, slavish drive towards "TheMarket" and consumerisim it offers an alternative view... give it a go... the 'meaning' of architecture very interesting... the way governments mould and design systems... the current house building boom good example... how many of the 450,000 houses built over the past six years have had architecural DESIGN (rather than just admin) input??... though paradoxically the architectural profession is getting it in the neck for the lack of/poor design. strange?