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With insight into the human side of architecture, this critical assessment displays the shortcomings of modern urban planning as an acclaimed architect issues a passionate charge against the celebrities of the current architectural world: the “archistars.” He argues that architecture has lost its way and its true function, as the archistars mold cityscapes to build their brand with no regard for the public good. More than a diatribe against the trade, La Cecla makes a call to rethink urban space and take the cities back from “casino capitalism” that has left a string of failed urban projects, such as the Sagrera of Barcelona and the expansion of Columbia University in New York City. Recounting his travels across the globe, La Cecla provides insights to aid in resisting the planners and to find the spirit of a place. These commentaries on the works of past and present masters of urban and landscape will take an important place in continued public discourse for years to come.
Acknowledgments v
Introduction vii
Chapter 1 Why I Did Not Become an Architectp1
Chapter 2 Trina 45
Chapter 3 Banlieue Bleu vs. The Decline of the Arrabal 53
Across Europe 55
The Effects of Ugliness 56
The Suburbs Threaten the Center 58
The Crisis of the Paris Banlieues 60
From France through Europe 62
European Contagion? 64
The Architects' Dream 66
The Grands Ensembles 67
Subtopia West to East, an Ecumenical Embrace 68
Demolition, Future or Present? 69
Immigrants Instead ofWorkers? 71
A Question of Esthetics 73
Chapter 4 Crema Catalana 76
Barcelona and La Sagrera 80
Barcelona and Its Residents 82
Our District 84
Chapter 5 Architecture Washes Whiter 95
Chapter 6 Italian Cities, C & G (Cool & Garbage) 106
Milan-Bangalore Still Cool 110
Chapter 7 The New Banks of Happiness 115
Overview
With insight into the human side of architecture, this critical assessment displays the shortcomings of modern urban planning as an acclaimed architect issues a passionate charge against the celebrities of the current architectural world: the “archistars.” He argues that architecture has lost its way and its true function, as the archistars mold cityscapes to build their brand with no regard for the public good. More than a diatribe against the trade, La Cecla makes a call to rethink urban space and take the ...