Architect of Dreams: The Theatrical Vision of Joseph Urban

Rating:
Summary: Eurpoean Design Hits American Shores
Review: Joseph Urban was primarily responsible for bringing the influence of the Vienese Secessionist Movement and Modernism to the theatre of America near the turn of the 20th century. Sure, he wasn't the only one and this book doesn't try to over-state Urban's influence. The text lets the designs do the work.
The book is nothing more than a catalogue but what an extraordinary catalogue it is! The photos of the renderings and models are top quality and really good choices by the author and editors. One can really see the watercolor techniques in the renderings along with the development of the design ideas Uban went through in his varied and prolific life as a designer. I really enjoyed the ddesigns and written text associated with the New School of Social Research. His work seems to be a precurser to Mondrian without the sterility of some of the Bauhaus concepts. His theatrical work really enlivened his architectural work.
His designs for the theatre were outrageous and vital.
I rate this book so very high because Urban's work is so important to stage design in America. As I said earlier, this book is a catalogue - but what a body of inspired and fantastical work to catalogue!