Flatiron: A Photographic History of the World's First Steel Frame Skyscraper, 1901-1990

Rating:
Summary: the first of many greats honored by the AIA
Review: FLATIRON, by Peter Gwillim Kreitler, represents a first for the AIA. This book is the most important compilation of Flatiron Building photographs. And, as the AIA recognizes, the building was a landmark in architectural development. Thus, the AIA chose to devote an entire publication, for the first time, to a building and its photographic record, and not solely to its architect/builder. The reproductions of well-known as well as hard-to-find photos are exceedingly well done, portraying developments in both architecture AND the blossoming field of photography. Reverend Kreitler's personal collection is the basis for this pictorial monograph; he has been collecting for many years and is an accomplished photographer and author. Daniel Burnham's Flatiron is a watershed in American architecture, parallelling and following upon, but not mimicing, the work of Louis Sullivan in Chicago. Siting was key, and influenced the use of materials, as well as the aesthetic in which Burnham worked. The building remains an important landmark in New York City, and deserves a visit by all who appreciate early examples of integration and art in the modern architectural vernacular. If you can't visit in person, the early record of this remarkable structure displayed so artistically in this classic monograph will serve you very well.

Rating:
Summary: the first of many greats honored by the AIA
Review: FLATIRON, by Peter Gwillim Kreitler, represents a first for the AIA. This book is the most important compilation of Flatiron Building photographs. And, as the AIA recognizes, the building was a landmark in architectural development. Thus, the AIA chose to devote an entire publication, for the first time, to a building and its photographic record, and not solely to its architect/builder. The reproductions of well-known as well as hard-to-find photos are exceedingly well done, portraying developments in both architecture AND the blossoming field of photography. Reverend Kreitler's personal collection is the basis for this pictorial monograph; he has been collecting for many years and is an accomplished photographer and author. Daniel Burnham's Flatiron is a watershed in American architecture, parallelling and following upon, but not mimicing, the work of Louis Sullivan in Chicago. Siting was key, and influenced the use of materials, as well as the aesthetic in which Burnham worked. The building remains an important landmark in New York City, and deserves a visit by all who appreciate early examples of integration and art in the modern architectural vernacular. If you can't visit in person, the early record of this remarkable structure displayed so artistically in this classic monograph will serve you very well.