Overview
Regional contextualism is a reaction against the growing homogeneity of cities around the world, and Fentress Bradburn is the American architectural firm that has experimented most consistently with this approach to design. Much of their work has been in Colorado and other Western American locations, but the firm has taken new projects in Central America and Southeast Asia, where the architects will continue their research into place and how it should shape modern architecture. Influenced by modern architecture, the humanist ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright, environmental concerns, and their fascination with state-of-the-art technology, Fentress Bradburn has compiled an interesting body of work. Ranging from straight modernist structures to historic preservation projects to works that use modern techniques to evoke a sense of place, their work often consists of public projects. The architects enjoy the challenge of public work and are not shy of the political controversy, risk, and in some cases criticism that come with it. This book showcases many of the firm's projects produced from 1980 to 1994. Introductory chapters discuss contextual regionalism and the history of the firm. Following this are sections highlighting major works and projects still in the design stage. A catalog of projects; a record of partners, associates, and project assistants who worked on each project; and a list of awards the firm has received conclude this lavishly illustrated volume.Synopsis
Regional contextualism is a reaction against the growing homogeneity of cities around the world, and Fentress Bradburn is the American architectural firm that has experimented most consistently with this approach to design. Much of their work has been in Colorado and other Western American locations, but the firm has taken new projects in Central America and Southeast Asia, where the architects will continue their research into place and how it should shape modern architecture. Influenced by modern architecture, the humanist ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright, environmental concerns, and their fascination with state-of-the-art technology, Fentress Bradburn has compiled an interesting body of work. Ranging from straight modernist structures to historic preservation projects to works that use modern techniques to evoke a sense of place, their work often consists of public projects. The architects enjoy the challenge of public work and are not shy of the political controversy, risk, and in some cases criticism that come with it. This book showcases many of the firm's projects produced from 1980 to 1994. Introductory chapters discuss contextual regionalism and the history of the firm. Following this are sections highlighting major works and projects still in the design stage. A catalog of projects; a record of partners, associates, and project assistants who worked on each project; and a list of awards the firm has received conclude this lavishly illustrated volume.
Booknews
The firm designed the Denver International Airport passenger terminal complex, among many other projects which range from historic preservation to straight modernist structures to works that use modern techniques to evoke a sense of place. Introductory chapters discussing the concept of contextual regionalism and the history of the firm are followed by documentation in color photos, drawings, and text of major works. A catalog of projects; a record of partners, associates, and project assistants; and a list of awards complete the elegant presentation. 9x12" Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)