Pritzker Architecture Prize The First Twenty Years

Library Journal

The annual Pritzker Architecture Prize, often described as the Nobel prize of architecture, was established by the Hyatt Foundation in 1979. The list of past Pritzker winners reads like an architectural who's who: Philip Johnson, James Stirling, Kenzo Tange, Frank O. Gehry, I.M. Pei, and, most recently, Renzo Piano have all won. This book, published by the Art Institute of Chicago on the occasion of an exhibit surveying the prize's 21-year history, is the only compilation of its kind. The ancillary information (introductory essays, a history of the prize, brief biographies of the architects, bibliographies, etc.) is useful, but the beauty of this volume is in its presentation of the "portfolios" of each winner's work (there are 370 illustrations, 200 in color). These great landmarks of modern architecture have been captured by the highest quality architectural photography, making this volume both informative and inspirational. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.--Jay Schafer, Bay Path Coll. Lib., Longmeadow, MA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Published on the occasion of a 1999 exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago<-->an exhibition that surveys the 20-year history of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, which has often been described as the "Nobel of architecture" because of its great importance. Selected buildings and projects of each of the 21 winners are generously illustrated with color and b&w photographs, sketches, and plans. The volume also features comments by prominent members of the jury and appreciations of the prize and the laureates' work by two highly regarded authors, Colin Amery and William J.R. Curtis. Thorne is associate curator of architecture at the Art Institute of Chicago. Oversize: 9.50x12<">. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)