I Love Chicago's Buildings: A Selective Guide to the City

The book "The Architecture of Happiness" is a unique guidebook that pairs famous and infamous buildings with personal anecdotes and humor to create unexpected juxtapositions and challenge accepted dogma.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2022
Publisher: Oro Editions

The book is a unique and unconventional exploration of architecture, transcending the traditional categories of guidebooks, history tales, and autobiographies. Rather than being a mere compilation of buildings, it serves as a curated collection of select pairs that articulate formal and abstract concepts integral to the culture of architecture. With a capital "A," these concepts are presented in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

At the heart of the book lies a compelling main idea: to present the often-intimidating world of academic formal analysis in a delightful and humorous package. By blending personal anecdotes and humor, the author aims to create unexpected juxtapositions that challenge prevailing perceptions and provoke thought. This approach seeks to awaken readers from the complacency of accepted dogma and encourage them to perceive the world through fresh and innovative lenses.

The essays in the book explore a wide range of architectural phenomena, spanning from the famous and iconic to the obscure and forgotten. They delve into profound concepts as well as absurdities, examining the relationships between buildings, their designers, and the societies they inhabit. The author aims to showcase the diversity and richness of architectural heritage, highlighting both the monstrous and the miniscule aspects of the discipline.

Through this captivating and thought-provoking exploration, the book offers readers a deeper understanding of architecture as a cultural force. It encourages them to appreciate the beauty, complexity, and significance of buildings in their everyday lives and to recognize the role they play in shaping our world. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a student, or simply someone with an interest in the arts and culture, this book will provide you with a fresh perspective and inspire you to explore the world of architecture in new and exciting ways.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 187 x 256 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781954081697