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Learning from Las Vegas
192 pages, 1977
Learning from Las Vegas created a healthy controversy on its appearance in 1972, calling for architects to be more receptive to the tastes and values of "common" people and less immodest in their erections of "heroic," self-aggrandizing monuments.
This revision includes the full texts of Part I of the original, on the Las Vegas strip, and Part II, "Ugly and Ordinary Architecture, or the Decorated Shed," a generalization from the findings of the first part on symbolism in architecture and the iconography of urban sprawl.
The final part of the first edition, on the architectural work of the firm Venturi and Rauch, is not included in the revision. The new paperback edition has a smaller format, fewer pictures, and a considerably lower price than the original.
There are an added preface by Scott Brown and a bibliography of writings by the members of Venturi and Rauch about the firm's work.
In Learning from Las Vegas, Robert Venturi encourages us to find beauty in the everyday architecture around us. He argues that even the most mundane buildings, like the roadside shops and billboards, have their own unique charm. So, next time you're out and about, take a moment to appreciate the ordinary.
Venturi emphasizes the importance of context in architecture. He believes that a building should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also fit in with its surroundings. This is a great reminder for us to consider the bigger picture in our own lives and work.
Venturi explores the power of symbolism in architecture, particularly in Las Vegas. He shows how buildings and signs can convey messages and evoke emotions. This can inspire us to look for symbolism in our own surroundings and see how it influences our thoughts and feelings.
In his book, Venturi challenges the traditional norms of architecture. He encourages architects to embrace the chaos and complexity of the modern city, rather than trying to impose order and simplicity. This can inspire us to challenge the norms in our own fields and embrace complexity.
Learning from Las Vegas teaches us to learn from the unexpected. Venturi uses the city of Las Vegas as a case study to show how unconventional architecture can be successful. This encourages us to be open-minded and learn from unexpected sources in our own lives.
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Learning from Las Vegas is a seminal work that has redefined how we understand architecture and urban planning.
Michael Graves - Postmodern architectureThis book is a manifesto that has changed the way we perceive and interact with urban spaces.
Denise Scott Brown - Urban planningVenturi's Learning from Las Vegas is a groundbreaking exploration of architectural symbolism and form.
Peter Eisenman - Deconstructivist architectureRecommendations
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