Summary of Architectural Ornament: Banishment & Return by Brent C. Brolin

Explore Brent C. Brolin's witty take on the return of architectural ornamentation, celebrating beauty in our urban landscapes once again.

Welcome to a world where architectural beauty once reigned supreme and craftsmanship wasn't just a word used to sound sophisticated at cocktail parties. Architectural Ornament: Banishment & Return is your ticket to understanding why our buildings have dressed up like they just rolled out of bed and what can be done to make them look fabulous again-spoiler alert: it's not just throwing some glitter on it.

Brent C. Brolin takes us on a delightful romp through the history of architectural ornamentation (yes, that means the fancy stuff that once adorned buildings all around the world). It's like a historical makeover show, but instead of revealing glammed-up homes, we explore why the good ol' days of architectural decor disappeared faster than a donut at a weight loss seminar.

We start in the lush gardens of the past, where ornamentation was treated like the cherry on top of a sundae. Think of it: buildings were bedecked with every conceivable frill-carvings, sculptures, and intricate designs that made them look less like plain boxes and more like works of art. Brolin argues that these aesthetic additions weren't just for show-they served as symbols of status, cultural identity, and sometimes good ol' fashioned bragging rights. You could say they were the Instagram filters of the architectural world.

Then, enter the dark ages of architectural design (a.k.a. the mid-20th century). Brolin deftly narrates the dramatic fall from grace of ornamentation, diving into the cold, brutalist, "minimalist is best" trends that snuck up on us when we weren't looking. Buildings started to resemble unappetizing blocks of tofu, making everyone wish for a little flair-but alas, the ornament was cast out like yesterday's leftovers. Brolin sheds light on how modernism, while striving for function over form, inadvertently turned our cities into tech-savvy, yet visually devoid landscapes.

As we sail through the pages, Brolin sparks hope with tales of the return of ornamentation, gallantly championing its re-emergence in contemporary architecture. It's not that we don't like minimalism; we just want more than a concrete cube staring back at us. You'll come to appreciate the revival of intricate details that beckon building enthusiasts and casual observers alike, like moths to a flame.

Whether it's the refreshingly bold decorations in new constructions or the hipster-friendly vintage aesthetics, the ornament is back with a vengeance. Brolin entertains us with discussions on how architects today are finding new ways to integrate these details without feeling like they're raiding a Renaissance festival. He sprinkles in examples that challenge the notion that less is more, showcasing that a little embellishment can take a structure from drab to fab.

So, grab this book if you wish to banish the bland and bring back the beautiful in architecture. It's a witty exploration that reminds us that our urban environments deserve to be as lively and expressive as we are-because let's face it, a little ornamentation can make even the dullest buildings feel like part of the family. Forget about the minimalist phase; it's time to break out the decorative flair and give our architecture the glow-up it desperately needs!

In conclusion, Brent C. Brolin's Architectural Ornament: Banishment & Return is a nostalgic journey through the ornate past and a rallying cry for the future-where we can appreciate the artistry that makes our cities shimmer. So, if you've ever gazed upon a building and thought, "This could use a bit more personality," this book is your answer!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.