Title
The Springboard In The Pond: An Intimate History Of The Swimming Pool (Graham Foundation / Mit Press Series In Contemporary Arch-new
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Although Others Have Written Eloquently On The Relationship Of Water To Built Form, Until Now No One Has Investigated The Swimming Pool As A Quintessentially Modern And American Space, Reflecting Americas Infatuation With Hygiene, Skin, And Recreation. In The Springboard In The Pond, Thomas Van Leeuwen Looks At A Familiar Holethe Domestic Swimming Pooland Discovers An Icon Indispensable To The Reading Of Twentiethcentury Modernism.At One Level, The Book Is A Rereading Of Modern Architecture That Will Leave That Story Permanently Altered. At Another Level, It Is The Story Of The Origin And Evolution Of The Private Swimming Pool As A Building Type And Cultural Artifact. And At Still Another Level, It Is A Material Philosophy Of Water. Van Leeuwen Explores The Human Relationship To Water From A Variety Of Viewpoints: Social, Religious, Artistic, Sexual, Psychological, Technical, And Above All Architectural. Throughout The Book, He Weaves A Series Of Analogies To Three Emblematic Animalsfrog, Swan, And Penguinthat Represent The Three Prevailing Human Attitudes Toward Water: Hydrophilia, Hydrophobia, And Ambivalence. The Books Many Illustrationsdrawings, Plans, And Photographscome From An Unusual Variety Of Sources, Creating What Is Surely The Most Provocative Visual Archive Of The Swimming Pool Ever Assembled.This Book Is The Second In A Planned Tetralogy By The Author, With Each Volume Centered On The Relationship Of Architecture To One Of The Four Classical Elements: Sky, Water, Fire, And Earth. The First Volume Was The Skyward Trend Of Thought: The Metaphysics Of The American Skyscraper (Mit Press, 1988). The Third Volume, Columns Of Fire: Architecture And Destruction, Is Currently In Preparation.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains three hundred twenty-one pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of the swimming pool as a cultural artifact.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This ensures durability, making it suitable for frequent use and display.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures ten point five one inches in height, one inch in width, and ten point five one inches in length. These dimensions make it a substantial yet manageable read.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of the book is Thomas A. P. Van Leeuwen. He presents a unique perspective on the architectural significance of swimming pools.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book falls under the genre of Criticism. It critically examines the relationship between architecture and modern American culture.
- Q: How can I use this book for research? A: You can use this book as a scholarly resource for understanding architectural history. It offers insights into the cultural implications of swimming pools in modernism.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study. It is part of the MIT Press Series in Contemporary Architectural Discourse, making it a credible source.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The book explores themes of water, modern architecture, and cultural artifacts. It also delves into human attitudes toward water through various lenses.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for general readers? A: Yes, the book is appropriate for general readers interested in architecture and culture. It presents complex ideas in an engaging manner.
- Q: What should I do to keep this book in good condition? A: To keep the book in good condition, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or high humidity.
- Q: How do I clean this book if it gets dirty? A: To clean the book, gently dust the cover with a soft cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as they may damage the pages.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is typically no warranty for books. However, check the return policy from the retailer for any issues upon receipt.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the retailer's customer service for return instructions. Most retailers will assist with replacements.
- Q: How does this book compare to others in architectural discourse? A: This book offers a unique focus on swimming pools, setting it apart from other architectural critiques. It combines visual elements with philosophical insights.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: Yes, this book is the second in a planned tetralogy by the author. Each volume examines architecture's relationship with one of the four classical elements.