How Architecture Tells: 9 Realities that will Change the Way You See

Architecture shapes lives, helping communities integrate and thrive, and can fundamentally improve our quality of life. Robert Steinberg, a young graduate architect, discovered this potential while working on a parking garage in Silicon Valley. His first of the 9 Realities of Architecture, Architecture is the Pursuit of Perfection, was a take-away from a humble parking garage project. Steinberg later became CEO of his firm and grew it into a global practice, touching the lives of countless people around the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2021
Publisher: Oro Editions

Architecture is often perceived by the general reading public as solely the construction of buildings. However, Robert Steinberg aims to broaden readers' perspectives in his book by demonstrating that architecture has the power to shape lives and foster community integration. Through his work, Steinberg has observed that architecture can evoke emotions and influence interpersonal interactions, ultimately enhancing our quality of life.

As a young graduate architect emerging from Berkeley, Steinberg embarked on a journey to explore the transformative potential of architecture. Collaborating with his father, an architect who had studied under Mies van der Rohe and whose father was also in the profession, Steinberg's first project involved the design and refinement of a parking garage in downtown Silicon Valley, California. During this project, Steinberg played a crucial role as a mediator between his father and the city architect, witnessing the gradual transformation of the garage through multiple iterations. With each revision, the garage became more visually appealing and functionally efficient, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of the struggling downtown core of Silicon Valley.

Steinberg's observations during this project led him to formulate the first of the nine realities of architecture, known as "Architecture is the Pursuit of Perfection." This profound realization emerged from a modest parking garage project, highlighting the immense value and beauty that can be achieved through architectural design. As Steinberg's career progressed, he rose to the position of CEO at his firm and expanded its operations to include six regional offices, including Austin and New York, as well as a significant presence in Shanghai. Driven by his passion for creating thriving communities, Steinberg leveraged his influence to impact the lives of countless individuals around the world.

Through his architectural designs and community-building initiatives, Steinberg demonstrated that architecture is not just about constructing physical structures but about shaping the experiences and emotions of those who interact with them. He emphasized the importance of designing spaces that promote social connectivity, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability, recognizing that buildings can have a profound impact on the well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, Robert Steinberg's book serves as a valuable reminder that architecture is not just a profession but a powerful tool for shaping lives and fostering community integration. By expanding our understanding of the role of architecture in our lives, we can appreciate its potential to enhance our emotional well-being, improve our social interactions, and create sustainable and thriving environments. As architects and citizens, we must continue to advocate for the importance of architecture in our society and work towards creating a world where buildings not only serve functional purposes but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit them.

Weight: 1784g
Dimension: 226 x 277 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781954081314