Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #625438 in Books
• Published on: 1985-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 316 pages

Review
David P. Billington is clearly moved by great structures--he means it when he says that major works of structural engineering are like the art of poetry, while architecture is the art of prose. . . . This is a book on structural engineering that sees its subject as part of the larger drama of history and culture, and for the breadth of this stance alone, it is impressive.
(The New York Times Book Review )

Customer Reviews

wise author! master builders!
It is not a book only for engineerings, for all architects, artists and commen people, for those who cares about the decline of our man-made surroundings, itis quite worth to read! The thinking about the relationship between the structures and the democracy is also very believable.

Dynamic expansion of contemporary thought about Structures.
This book has engaged my artistic mind in the search for opportunities to become such a designer as the individuals biographed so explicitly by Billington. The unseeming artist, architect, or engineer is left believing that even he/she has the potential to add to the realm of amazing structures. An inspiring read.

Revolutionary commentary on the aesthetics of engineering.
Billington adds a whole new dimension to engineering by interpreting a scientific discipline in a subjective light. He offers criteria for aesthetic appreciation and brings forth the subtleties in an otherwise inaccessible field. Well written and unintimidating to even the most science-phobic reader.