Testing "GoodReads" - Frank Lloyd Wright

Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was so shocked by the ending that I read the cover, the reviews, the bio...looking for some reason...I didn't want it to end that way. At first I thought it was a cheap ending, like she didn't know what to do to end the book and so resorted to this...but then I found out it was true (ish)!

This book is full of beautiful moments, and is insightfully written, but some things about the main character's personality irked me. I wouldn't have made the same choices in some parts. The whole thing about breaking free from her family was all fine, but from her children? Selfish. The author, Nancy, does let us know Mamah felt guilty about it, but I still find it hard to believe... And then instead of following her own dream or writing, she was only following Frank, really. Or translating other peoples' work.

I would say I have mixed feelings about the book -- I suppose one sign that it is impeccably written is that the mixed feelings I have are about the characters themselves! I alternate between getting mad at them, and feeling sympathy for them, and ultimately sorrow. (I get so mad at Frank and Mamah! Then sometimes I love them. I guess that means the author did a good job!)

If you begin this book expecting to learn about architecture, you may find yourself disappointed but ultimately you will remember it for its portrayal of the struggle for happiness its two main characters went through...you will definitely not forget it!

I had trouble giving this book 3 stars, I am conflicted between whether it deserves 5 or 2. You'll see what I mean.


View all my reviews.

Giant Ant Metropolis

A Giant Metropolis of tunnels and chambers built by ants is uncovered!

Thanks to Lian, Naacal for the link.

Cities in the Sea

I've been revisiting the work of Jacque Fresco lately. I'm amazed at how forward-thinking it is. Photos are from thevenusproject.com - please check there for credits.

From their site:

Off Shore Living

Offshore apartment buildings of concrete, steel, glass, titanium, and a wide variety of new synthetic materials could be built to relieve the population pressure in areas like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York. The materials used in such projects would be engineered to withstand the corrosive effects of the harsh ocean environment.

A global system of these structures can easily accommodate many millions of people and relieve the land based population pressures. They can provide the inhabitants with information and serve as natural sea aquariums without artificially enclosing marine life.

Many of these cities may serve as oceanographic universities that maintain the ecological balance of marine systems. Other ocean cities will maintain sea farms that will cultivate many forms of marine life. They could also be used as a new resource for mining the relatively untapped resources of the oceans without disturbing its ecology. Still others may monitor and maintain environmental equilibrium and reclaim dangerous radioactive and other pollutant materials that have been dumped into the sea.

After construction, these structures can be towed to various locations where they would be most beneficial, then anchored to the ocean floor. Some structures will be towed in prefabricated segments and then joined together at selected locations. Their internal construction will include floatation chambers which will render them practically unsinkable. They can be self maintained and fully automated
Check out the Venus Project for more info.

Vote on your Favorite Architecture on the AIA150's America's Favorite Architecture Website

A few months ago, I had the great experience of working on a kiosk and website with C&G Partners, which you can still see online at www.favoritearchitecture.org. The American Institute of Architects was celebrating its 150th anniversary and commissioned C&G Partners to design a "green" exhibit (which you can see here), a website, and an interactive kiosk for the exhibit.

The AIA had already whittled America's Favorites down to 150 buildings through a series of polls they conducted with professional architects as well as the general public. The kiosk and website allow additional voting by the greater "online" public -- needless to say a lot of controversy and discussion emerged from it!! In case you are curious, the Empire State Building, which was the original #1, has nothing to do with the online #1 favorite!

Which ones are your favorites? You can still vote and find out what other people think on the website. For best results select "FULL SCREEN VERSION"

The last time I checked it out, these were the results (you only see them after you have voted, but here is a sneak peek!):

Water Cube in Beijing

someone sent me a link featuring photos of The National Aquatics Centre, or “Watercube” which will be the venue for aquatic events in the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing.

via PTW (Peddle Thorp &Walker)