Why You Can Build it Like That

What is the reasoning behind some of the most controversial buildings in the world?

In this original and engaging study of iconic and iconoclastic modern architecture—from the unusual to the truly avant-garde—John Zukowsky examines the design and purpose of 100 modern buildings and the reaction they provoked when they were built.

From the work of such world-renowned architects as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Frank Gehry, and Zaha Hadid to the maverick creations of Bruce Goff, Shin Takamatsu, and Shigeru Ban, extraordinary buildings are part of our everyday lives. However, some buildings provoke strong reactions. Not in my backyard is a phrase often heard in the discussion of architecture, but what is it about these buildings that is so controversial?

This fascinating study selects 100 iconoclastic buildings that pushed the boundaries of the acceptable when they were built, but have since become revered. It unravels the complex stories behind their construction, placing each building in its cultural context and discussing why it was created and what influence it has had on architectural design.

You'll discover why some architects choose to prioritise function over aesthetic appeal—or vice-versa—and why others appear to challenge every accepted architectural value. You'll also learn how many buildings were influenced by global events such as the Space Race, and how others were made possible by timely technological innovation.