Architecture of Normal

Daniel Kaven ist Architekt und Künstler in Portland, Oregon. Partner im Architekturbüro William / Kaven Architecture.

"In his new book, Architecture of Normal (through Birkhäuser), Portland-based architect Daniel Kaven explores the contrast between the grandeur of the American landscape and the underwhelming architecture of its suburban strip malls, fast-food chains, motels, and tract housing." (Rachel Gallaher in GRAY magazine, 03.2022)

***

"Architecture of Normal: The Colonization of the American Landscape reads like an enthralling textbook-a breezy history teeming with photography, original artwork, and timelines-even as its author offers a more cautionary take on what we have wrought." (Brian Libby, Metropolis)

***

"Kaven has crafted a thoroughly researched and well-reasoned treatise in which he argues that historical eras' dominant modes of transportation-walking on foot, riding horses, trains, cars, and airplanes-have inexorably influenced our public and private spaces." (Richard Speer, The Democracy Chain)

***

"The book blends text and extensive imagery to document and reflect on the impact that the evolution of transport has had in the country: accelerating urbanisation and enabling urban sprawl, carving up rural landscapes, and colonising places with cars and strip malls." (Francesca Perry, ICON Magazine)