Great Modern Buildings: Spectacular Architecture of the World - Tapa dura

A society s architecture can tell us a huge amount about the people in question, including their collective priorities, their deepest fears as well as their hopes for the future. A great building can do many things. It can sanctify or nurture, expose or protect, it can seem strong and impenetrable or warm and welcoming. The very best architects make their names and their livings from manipulating materials in order to stimulate both users and the public. Brand new buildings such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, can appear incredibly alien and exotic. Occasionally a space is successfully redefined; London s Tate Modern was once a power station but has since been transformed into an internationally recognised powerhouse for the arts. Great Modern Architecture explores the high-rise corporate cathedrals, museums, temples and homes that have impressed themselves on the collective conciousness through creativity of design, clever use of materials or sheer proportions. From the tallest skyscrapers to subterranean light installations, Great Modern Architecture is a beautifully illustrated architectural oddysey. contents Great Modern Architecture will include articles on: Solomon R. Guggenheim, Habitat 67, JFK Airport, Palacio do Congresso, Salk Institute, Cathedral of Brasilia, Pompidou Centre, Sears Tower, Sydney Opera House, Asahi Brewery, Lloyd s Building, Lotus Temple, World Arab Institute, Louvre Pyramid, Burj Al Arab, Guggenheim Museum, Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, Lord s Media Centre, Petronas Twin Towers, Vitra Fire Station, Fred and Ginger, UFA Palast Cinema, Getty Center, 30 St Mary Axe, Allianz Arena, Tate Modern, City Hall, City of Arts and Sciences, Imperial War Museum, Jewish Museum, Kunsthaus Graz, Milwaukee Art Museum, Peckham Library, Scottish Parliament, Seattle Public Library, Selfridges Building, Taipei 101, Torre Agbar, Turning Torso, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Serpentine Gallery, Caltrans District 7 Headquarters, Parco Della Musica, Royal Ontario Museum, National Grand Theatre (China), Denver Art Museum, Prada Boutique, Laban Contemporary Dance Centre, Contemporary Arts Center (Cincinnati), The Deep, Mercedes- Benz Museum, Copenhagen Opera House, BMW World, Barajas Airport, Phaeno Science Center, The Esplanade, National Aquatics Centre.

Bill Price is a freelance writer and seasoned traveller currently working and living in North London. For fifteen years he worked in various areas of the UK book trade, but more recently he has built a reputation as a specialist in travel writing and has become a regular contributor to a large number of international travel publications as well as popular reference books. His book entitled Landmarks of the World was published by Canary Press in September 2007. When he is not exploring the more far flung corners of our planet, he enjoys spending time in the sheep farm in rural Herefordshire where he grew up.