Southwest Expressions

New York, New York, U.S.A.: Publications Intlernational, Ltd., 1992. First Printing . Hard Back. Very Good/Good. 10" x 11 1/2. 256 Pages Indexed. Burnt orange boards have very light, barely perceptible corner wear. Owner's name on front endpaper. Otherwise tight, straight, bright book with no other marks or stamps. Southwest Expressions explores the architecture and design of the area of the United States that was once part of the Spanish empire in the New World. This vibrant region extends from Florida to California and from the Rio Grande valley to the mountains of Colorado. Here European explorers encountered Native Americans who had a highly developed architecture. Their wellbuilt cities were unable to repel the soldiers, but when Spanish colonists came to settle, they had no choice but to make the pervasive and firmly established native architecture their own. It was simply too appropriate to the region to ignore. The Spanish colonists adopted these building styles to meet their needs, creating a hybrid architecture that has been prevalent in the Southwest ever since. With hundreds of beautiful fullcolor photographs, this book explores the rich diversity of Southwest design, following its main architectural themes as they have developed through the centuries. It begins with a comprehensive exploration of Spanish colonial architecture as it has been interpreted for four centuries. Southwest expressions have never been static, and this delightful book investigates the diverse forces that shaped their character, from the American army to the transcontinental railroad, which brought Victorian style to the region. The basis of all Southwest style is the pueblo, a complex of stacked rooms first built by the Anasazi 1,000 years ago. From the 1920s to the present, many top Southwest designers have interpreted and reinterpreted the straightforward simplicity of this style, and their work is featured in a comprehensive chapter on Pueblo style. As the harsh necessities of ranch life have slowly evolved into the luxuries of dude ranching, Southwest ranch style has become an exciting interplay of the rugged and the romantic, with decorating applications for homes everywhere. The Southwest has also left its own brand on the major themes of modern architecture and today embraces the relaxed, eclectic attitudes of postmodern design. This photograph-packed book captures the wide range of Southwest expressions, encouraging you to invite the Southwest into your home. In the fascinating diversity of this region, there truly is something for everyone. Contents in Eight Chapters: Southwest Expressions, Spanish Colonial Style, Territoriial Style, Soutwest Victorians, Pueblo Revival, Southwest Ranch Style, Modern Design in the Southwest, and Southwest Postmodern Design. Large heavy book that will incur additional charges for Priority shipping to most locations.