Benjamin for Architects

Elliott (philosophy, Oregon State U. and Portland State U.) explores implications for architects of the thought of Walter Benjamin (1892-1940). Among the contributions the German Jewish philosopher made, he says, are profound and nuanced reflections on modernity and modernism; detailed analysis of the social and political impact of the built environment; consideration of architecture as a crucial medium and repository for the intersection of personal and shared cultural memory; and a sense of the politically and historically charged nature of the meaning carried by the built environment. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)