In 1916, New York City enacted zoning laws that mandated the building of “set-back” structures so that light and air would be more freely admitted into the streets below. This concept was first proposed by Louis Sullivan in his 1891 article, “The High-Building Question” (inspired by William Le Baron Jenney’s recently completed Manhattan Building in Chicago.) Hugh Ferriss (1889-1962), American draftsman and architect, studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis where the Beaux Arts school was favored. Early in his career he worked as a draftsman in the office of Cass Gilbert until he became a freelance delineator. In 1922, Ferris took part in a series of zoning envelope studies that sought to comply with the earlier city legislation. Such were the key ingredients that gave rise to the book at hand. In The Metropolis of Tomorrow, 49 stunning illustrations depict towering structures, personal space, wide avenues, and rooftop parks — features that now exist in many innovative, densely populated urban landscapes. Ferriss uses metaphors from nature that lend his text a poetic quality. It is no wonder that the work inspired critics of the time to remark: “As a creative entity, as a symbol of the American spirit, it is superb” (Survey), and as “magically stirring as a prophecy” (Albert Guerard in Books). With its eloquent commentary and powerful renderings, The Metropolis of Tomorrow is an indispensable resource for students, architects, and anyone else with an interest in American architecture.

The Metropolis of Tomorrow (Dover Architecture)

Arts & Photography

Ferriss, Hugh

History & Criticism

Dover Publications

Trained as an architect in the early twentieth century, Hugh Ferriss possessed a vision of form that surpassed the traditional blueprints of his peers—and it showed in his distinctively moody renderings. A master of light and shadow, he managed to capture the spirit of each building with a heightened sense of perspective and design. By the 1920s, he was well on his way to becoming America's greatest architectural draftsman. Ferriss' remarkable style, which influenced generations of builders, is highlighted in this illustrated journey through three decades of American architecture. Accompanied by illuminating text and captions, this collection of sixty of his extraordinary drawings includes: Rockefeller Center, a stunning symbol of modern Art Deco style; California's Shasta Dam, ranked as one of the great civil engineering feats of the world; the Perisphere and Trylon from New York's 1939 World's Fair; Taliesin-in-Arizona, Frank Lloyd Wright's breathtaking winter home; and Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheater, a dramatic structure that incorporates natural elements and rock formations. Plus, there are illustrations of the Empire State Building, the United Nations headquarters, airports, grain elevators, bomb shelters, and more. Architects, draftsmen, and designers of all ages will savor the wonder and imagination in this magnificent volume.

The Power of Buildings, 1920-1950: A Master Draftsman's Record (Dover Architecture)

Architecture

From the 1920s through the 1950s, Hugh Ferriss was America's most ?celebrated architectural artist, famous for his dramatic charcoal ?renderings. First published in 1929, The Metropolis of Tomorrow was the ?quintessential document of the prosperity of the 1920s, as well as a ?personal manifesto of visionary urbanism. In it, Ferriss drew and ?discussed the American skyscraper and presented his romantic vision for ?an ideal city of the future.?
?This fascimile edition of this classic captures all the drama of the ?original volume, reprinting over 60 of Ferris's striking chiaroscuro ?renderings and his written commentary. In addition, included are over 40 ?additional drawings and photographs and an insightful essay by Carol ?Willis (author of Form Follows Finance) on Ferris's career. This ?historic document is available from Princeton Architectural Press for ?the first time in over five years.

The Metropolis of Tomorrow

Princeton Architectural Press

The metropolis of the future — as perceived by architect Hugh Ferriss in 1929 — was both generous and prophetic in vision. Largely an illustrated essay on the modern city and its future, Ferriss' book incorporated his philosophy of architecture. Includes powerful illustrations of towering structures, personal space, wide avenues, and rooftop parks. 59 illustrations.

Princeton Architectural Pr

A welcome republication of a scarce title from America's greatest architectural draftsman. The sixty bold drawings and informed text trace Ferriss's personal odyssey through the modern architecture of America from 1929 to 1953. Dams, bridge anchorages, grain elevators, skyscraper projects, and viaducts are delineated in Ferriss's rich and somewhat brooding chiaroscuro style, while he surprises us with illustrations of such landmarks as the Johnson Wax building, Taliesin West, Lever House, and the then-unbuilt United Nations Headquarters.

Power in Buildings

Hennessey & Ingalls

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. 
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. 
Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. 
We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Metropolis of Tomorrow.

Politics & Social Sciences

Sociology

Hassell Street Press

Power In Buildings: An Artist's View Of Contemporary Architecture

A welcome republication of a scarce title from America's greatest architectural draftsman. First published in 1953 and long out of print, the sixty bold drawings and informed text trace Ferriss's personal odyssey through the modern architecture of America from 1929 to 1953. Dams, bridge anchorages, grain elevators, skyscraper projects, and viaducts are delineated in Ferriss's rich and somewhat brooding chiaroscuro style, while he surprises us with illustrations of such landmarks as the Johnson Wax building, Taliesin West, Lever House, and the then-unbuilt United Nations Headquarters.

Literary Licensing, LLC

A welcome republication of a scarce title from America's greatest architectural draftsman. First published in 1953 and long out of print, the sixty bold drawings and informed text trace Ferriss's personal odyssey through the modern architecture of America from 1929 to 1953. Dams, bridge anchorages, grain elevators, skyscraper projects, and viaducts are delineated in Ferriss's rich and somewhat brooding chiaroscuro style, while he surprises us with illustrations of such landmarks as the Johnson Wax building, Taliesin West, Lever House, and the then-unbuilt United Nations Headquarters.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ferriss, Hugh. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ferriss, Hugh

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ferriss, Hugh. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Metropolis of Tomorrow (Dover Architecture)

The Power of Buildings, 1920-1950: A Master Draftsman's Record (Dover Architecture)

The Metropolis of Tomorrow

The Metropolis of Tomorrow

Power in Buildings

The Metropolis of Tomorrow.

Power In Buildings: An Artist's View Of Contemporary Architecture

Power In Buildings: An Artist's View Of Contemporary Architecture