Geometry.Net - Basic F Books: Fairs & Expositions American History

From the summer of 1933 to the fall of 1934, more than 38 million fairgoers visited a 3-mile stretch along Lake Michigan, home to Chicago’s second World’s Fair. Millions more experienced the Century of Progress International Exposition through newspaper and magazine articles, newsreels, and souvenirs. Together, all marveled at the industrial, scientific, consumer, and cultural displays, many of which were housed in fifty massive and colorful exhibition halls, the largest architectural project realized in the United States during the Great Depression.

In the richly illustrated Building a Century of Progress, Lisa D. Schrenk explores the pivotal role of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair in modern American architecture. She recounts how the exposition’s architectural commission promoted a broad definition of modern architecture, not relying on purely aesthetic characteristics but instead focusing on new design solutions. The fair’s pavilions incorporated recently introduced building materials such as masonite and gypsum board; structural innovations (for example, the first thin-shell concrete roof and the first suspended roof structures built in the United States); and new construction processes, most notably the use of prefabrication. They also featured curiosities like the giant, constantly operating mayonnaise maker and the glass-walled House of Tomorrow, which had no operable windows. Schrenk shows how the halls’ designs reflected cultural and political developments of the period, including the expanding relationships between science, industry, and government; the rise of a corporate consumer culture; and the impact of the Great Depression.

Many of the designs provoked intense responses from critics and other prominent architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright and Ralph Adams Cram, fueling heated debates over the appropriate direction for architecture in the United States. Demonstrating the rich diversity of progressive American building design seen at the fair, Building a Century of Progress captures a crucial moment in American modernism.

Lisa D. Schrenk is assistant professor of architecture and art history at Norwich University and former education director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Foundation.

A beautiful work of solid scholarship
This book is that rare combination of first class photographs and illustrations surrounding a first rate work of historical scholarship.

Selling optimisim in the middle of the depression
This new book discusses in depth the building of the 1933-4 Chicago World's Fair. With astute attention to detail, the managers succeeded in making a profit while presenting both a science show and avant garde architectural display during the depths of the depression.From the breathing dome of the Travel and Transport Building to the all glass block Libbey Owens pavilion, all kinds of innovations in architecture were presented. Ms. Schrenk does an excellent job in describing the numerous innovations in addition to providing good illustrations. One is also informed of why Frank Lloyd Wright was not repesented and his campaign in response. From pre-fabrication to Fuller's dymaxion car (which could move sideways!), all the new construction and technical innovations of the time are here. In sum, a fascinating read for all those interested in Chicago history, architecture, and the "Can Do" spirit of America during the depression. ... Read more

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Home - Basic F - Fairs & Expositions American History (Books)

24. Ephemeral Vistas: The Expositions Universelles, Great Exhibitions and World's Fairs, 1851-1939 (Studies in Imperialism) by Paul Greenhalgh
	Hardcover: 272 Pages (1988-05) list price: US$65.00 Isbn: 0719022991 Canada \| United Kingdom \| Germany \| France \| Japan

25. Texas, with its hundred years of Anglo-American civilization: 1821-1921 by E. W Bateman
	Unknown Binding: 23 Pages (1921) Asin: B000891TVM Canada \| United Kingdom \| Germany \| France \| Japan

26. The World's Fairs: Mirrors of American culture by Rodney Reid Badger
	Unknown Binding: Pages (1983) Asin: B0007BIB6C Canada \| United Kingdom \| Germany \| France \| Japan

27. World's Fair midways;: An affectionate account of American amusement areas from the Crystal Palace to the crystal ball by Edo McCullough
	Unknown Binding: 190 Pages (1966) Asin: B0007DON4O Canada \| United Kingdom \| Germany \| France \| Japan