Allan Greenberg: Classical Architect

Absolutely beautiful and exquisite book by America's preeminent Classical architect, Allan Greenberg. The photographs are sumptuous and well illustrate the architect's genius.

This is a large and lavishly produced book presenting multiple interior and exterior photos of the work of an architect known for his classical designs for contemporary living. In addition to the excellent, large scale photographs there are drawings of both interior and exterior details, an important element of creating the traditional feel of his buildings. The interior surfaces in particular feature Greenberg's a high level of focus on detail, a characteristic which made him the ideal architect to create the outstanding rooms of the Department of State several decades ago.The book primarily features recent work with only a brief look at some of his iconic efforts, such as the Peter Brant house in Greenwich and, indeed, the Department of State rooms. This is somewhat disappointing for the architect's first major monograph. The recent work helps show how he has applied various interpretations of the classical to designs for different lifestyles, from quasi-Mediterranean to a farm house. Virtually all of the residential structures reflect what were obviously very large budgets.Much more than an AIA monograph with only a tantalizingly few "interior design" photos. Would love to see more of that house with the antique Chinese wallpaper.

Allan Greenberg is a talented architect who works within the classical tradition. I was looking forward to a good monograph on his work, but this was not what I was expecting. While beautifully produced and photographed, the book lacks a basic feature of a fine architectural book - drawings. There are no plans, elevations or sections of any buildings, except for a handful of enlarged design drawings that focus on areas such as staircases and entrances. Construction and materials are not addressed, except through photographs. Perhaps this may be excused for some of the residential projects due to privacy concerns, but not for the public buildings. Without plans, one cannot see how this architect resolved the demands of symmetry and the classical language of architecture with the demand of modern programs. I am not sure of the intended audience or purpose of this book. It is not an architectural monograph, because it lacks the essential elements one expects in a monograph. Perhaps it is simply intended as marketing to potential clients - but sophisticated clients who would have the means to afford one of Greenberg's buildings would appreciate plans as well. I returned the book.

I use this book every day as a designer who workes on house plans and interior architecture. Beautiful architectural examples!

Very nicely done at a reasonable cost. The detail of architectural design is amazing with great views of moldings and trim.

This book was disappointing because it contained virtually no floor plans. It's very difficult to understand how a house functions without the layout. The photography was good, however; even if there were very few shots of the interiors.

Excellent monograph featuring the past two decades of this office's residential, institutional and commercial projects. Oversized volume, great projects, exquisite photos, large scale detail drawings. If only there were site plans and floor plans, which add immeasurably to an architectural monograph. Still, the number of images devoted to each project make this much more than a coffee table book. Regarding the photos, the balance between site, gardens, building exteriors and architectural interiors seemed both successful and satisfying.Some pre-1995 projects are introduce via highlights, but the out-of-print Architectural Monographs No. 39, Allan Greenberg Selected Works (1995) is still the definitive source for these classics.

Well done. Loved It. Great designs.