For almost ten years, Samuel Mockbee, a recent MacArthur Grant recipient, and his architecture students at Auburn University have been designing an...
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Dec 28, 2008
Abigail
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Do you ever feel, that while the world is rushing headlong toward destruction, a sizable portion of the people around you seem to be feverishly investing their resources and energy in projects that contribute nothing to the common good - almost as if determined to speed us all on our way? Do you ever wonder why some of that good old "American" ingenuity, that inventive creativity of which we are always hearing, can't be applied to solving some of the social and environmental ills that
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May 24, 2008
Marguerite
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I learned about Samuel Mockbee in a long feature article, maybe from the wire services or NYT, while he was still alive. He captured my imagination as someone who really made a difference in the world, with the most humble of materials --including garbage. And, not only did he help have-nots to have beautiful places to live and hang out, but he taught another generation to practice socially responsible architecture and build similar housing. When I saw a review of this book, I had to have it. It
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Aug 02, 2007
Kyla
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Occasionally, when I'm hanging out in libraries (i.e.- often), I like to see what books people have left behind in their study carrals or on tables - it gives me a little snapshot of their life or what they're interested in. And sometimes I discover a treasure I would never have found otherwise. Case in point, this book. In ugly navy blue library binding, I opened it up to find it was actually a beautiful book put out by Princeton Architecture Press. I have a crush on this publisher - they put o
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Jan 19, 2009
Karena
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Rural Studio, founded by Samuel Mockbee, is based on the principle that everyone - regardless of income level - should have access to good, quality architecture. This book is also full of creative ideas for the re-use of reclaimed materials within the architectural context.
Dec 28, 2008
Emily, this sounds fascinating, and something that you might like to read, too. I read a review on goodreads by "Abigail A." which sparked my interest.
Jan 07, 2012
Al
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Terrific book and photography! Great write up on architecture in poverty and rural settings with renewable or recycled material. Stunning work really.
Sep 03, 2010
Antonio
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Poverty, civil rights, rustic materials, rough craftsmanship and Architecture!
Oct 28, 2007
Ben
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The works in this book were original and very interesting. The book shows a side of architecture that most people don't know about and most students and interns should pay more attention too. The fact that this is actually an educational program is incredible. The only complaint I have is that the book could definitely include more photographs, as well as concept sketches and design drawings. Photographs of details could help too.
Feb 03, 2008
Janie
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The title says it all: architecture of decency. Mockbee was an architect concerned more with the potential of architecture to lift the human spirit, not about how loudly it celebrates its maker. By using recycled materials, like old road signs, bottles, tires, etc, Mockbee created contemporary structures in rural southern towns that fit beautifully into the landscape for which it was made.
Mar 24, 2007
Sharon
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This book shows the beauty and compassion of the early works of Mockbee's Rural Studio -- it is compelling to read and peruse, but after visiting the projects and seeing them in their surroundings, I was disappointed to see the context "cleaned away" for the book. It's important to know what's around these works, and how they're really used; the book glosses over them.
Dec 03, 2007
Jo
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What design should be - not a way to benefit the rich; but a way to re-exam if the way we have always done things is really the best considering how rapidly we gain new knowledge and working creatively with the resources you have and using them to their fullest potential versus a poor version of something else.
Dec 17, 2009
Max
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Incredible. If only more people in the world had his attitude. And why do people like Mockbee die so young and people like Bush and Cheney live so long????
Books like this help to bring back the notion of GOOD being more important than GREAT.
Books like this help to bring back the notion of GOOD being more important than GREAT.
Jun 07, 2009
Caroline
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To do something that helps people, is responsible with materials, and is artistically excellent--that is an exciting idea. Here is one way to have a creative career that meets human needs and is others-focused.
May 06, 2008
Theresa
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I read this because Mockbee was an inspiring architect and I'm going to Alabama at the end of May with a group to see some of the houses and other structures that his students built. Very cool stuff.
Jul 17, 2008
Shannon
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Even if you're not an architecture nerd like me it's worth seeing what a little money and a lot of heart can do for people who really need it.
May 22, 2008
Barrett
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Love what Sam Mockbee did with architecture in the poorest county of Alabama.
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