Description
Book Synopsis: Booklist Starred Review
Named to the 2022 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List
The Spanish architects Rafael Guastavino Sr. and his son, Rafael Guastavino Jr., designed more than one thousand iconic spaces across New York City and the United States, such as the New York City Hall Subway Station (still a tourist destination though no longer active), the Manhattan Federal Reserve Bank, the Nebraska State Capitol, the Great Hall of Ellis Island, the Oyster bar at Grand Central Terminal in New York, the Elephant House at the Bronx Zoo, the soaring tiled vaults under the Queensboro Bridge, the central dome of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, and the Boston Public Library. Written in the voice of the son, who was eight years old in 1881 when he immigrated to America with his father, this is their story.
Rafael Guastavino Sr. was 39 when he left a successful career as an architect in Barcelona. American cities—densely packed and built largely of wood—were experiencing horrific fires, and Guastavino had the solution: The soaring interior spaces created by his tiled vaults and domes made buildings sturdier, fireproof, and beautiful. What he didn’t have was fluent English. Unable to win design commissions, he transferred control of the company to his American-educated son, whose subsequent half-century of inspired design work resulted in major contributions to the built environment of America. Immigrant Architect is an introduction to architectural concepts and a timely reminder of immigrant contributions to America. The book includes four route maps for visiting Guastavino-designed spaces in New York City: uptown, midtown, downtown, and Prospect Park.
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Looking for a book that will not only captivate you, but also inspire you? Look no further than Immigrant Architect: Rafael Guastavino and the American Dream. This book, part of The History Makers Series, tells the incredible story of Spanish architects Rafael Guastavino Sr. and his son, Rafael Guastavino Jr., who designed over one thousand iconic spaces in New York City and across the United States.
Imagine stepping into the New York City Hall Subway Station, the Great Hall of Ellis Island, or the Boston Public Library and being surrounded by breathtaking architectural beauty. These remarkable spaces, all designed by the Guastavino duo, continue to amaze visitors to this day. With Immigrant Architect, you can learn about the inspiration behind these masterpieces and gain a deeper understanding of the architectural concepts that brought them to life.
Not only were the Guastavinos incredibly talented, but they also played a critical role in making American buildings sturdier and fireproof. At a time when American cities were plagued by horrific fires, their innovative tiled vaults and domes became the solution. As you turn the pages of this book, you'll be transported back in time to witness the impact these architectural marvels had on the built environment of America.
Immigrant Architect is not just a history lesson, but also a celebration of the immigrant contributions to America. It serves as a reminder that the American Dream has been shaped by the hard work and ingenuity of individuals who have come from all corners of the globe. By sharing the Guastavinos' story, this book aims to inspire readers to appreciate the diversity and talent that immigrants bring to our nation.
Ready to embark on a journey through the architectural wonders of New York City? Immigrant Architect includes four route maps that will guide you through the Guastavino-designed spaces in uptown, midtown, downtown, and Prospect Park. With full-color illustrations and the engaging voice of Rafael Guastavino Jr., this book is a must-read for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who believes in the power of the American Dream.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Guastavino architects and discover the extraordinary stories behind their iconic creations. Order your copy of Immigrant Architect: Rafael Guastavino and the American Dream today and embark on an unforgettable journey of architectural brilliance.
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