Atlantis, by Carlo Piano and Renzo Piano
In this compilation of thoughts and meditations on beauty, nature, art, meaning, architecture, and the fascinating idea of Atlantis, renowned architect Renzo Piano and his son, Carlo Piano, a curious explorer and journalist, send readers on an amusing sea adventure. While Carlo is skeptical of the audacious quest to find the lost island, Renzo is determined to see through what has been a decades-long dream. Their conversations debunk myths and trace ideas woven with historical anecdotes, design processes, and an obsession with exploring cities--mainly by sailing. An absolute delight to read!
The Past and Future City: How Historic Preservation Is Reviving America's Communities - Stephanie Meeks
Meeks extensive knowledge in the preservation world as head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and formerly of The Nature Conservancy makes her voice on the importance of treasuring the old built environment of superior note. Making the case that old buildings in cities are beneficial on all fronts from financial to environmental, Meeks points us towards a vision of the future city as one that is diverse in it's built make-up reflecting the values of the modern era for diversity and respect. Revealing research finds blocks with smaller, older buildings have more stores owned by women and minorities, they are more diverse ethnically and economically in their tenant make-up. Anyone who is interested in urban design and the future of our growing cities will want to read this.