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Immigrant Architect

Rafael Guastavino and the American Dream
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( 115 ratings, 25 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Immigrant Architect tells the inspiring story of Rafael Guastavino, an immigrant from Spain who transformed American architecture with his innovative use of tiles. This children's book combines historical facts with engaging illustrations to introduce young readers to Guastavino’s life and legacy, highlighting his remarkable journey and contributions to the architectural landscape.
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Format: Hardback
$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in inspiring stories about notable achievements by immigrants. It's a children's book that beautifully illustrates the life and legacy of an influential architect, perfect for encouraging young readers to appreciate cultural contributions and explore the world of architecture.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Series: The History Makers Series

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Immigrant Architect by Berta de Miguel and Kent Diebolt is highly praised by reviewers for being an exceptional STEAM resource that captivates young readers with the story of Rafael Guastavino. The book's engaging narrative, told through the voice of Guastavino's son, coupled with vibrant illustrations, breathes life into the contributions of this immigrant architect. Critics commend its potential to inspire discussions and enrich biography collections in schools, celebrating the interplay between history, architecture, and cultural contribution.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780884488125

Publisher: Tilbury House,U.S.

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 29 May 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Tilbury House,U.S.

Illustration: full color

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Virginia Lorente

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 290.0mm

Height: 239.0mm

Weight: 632g

Pages: 60

About the Author

Berta de Miguel is a trained architect specializing in the restoration of historic structures who works as Vertical Access New York City Branch Manager. This position has allowed her to work regularly in Guastavino-designed spaces. Part of this interaction with Guastavino is included in the documentary El Arquitecto de Nueva York, by Eva Vizcarra, which was selected for the Gold Dolphin at the Cannes Festival and for Best Biography recognition in the New York Festival World’s Best TV & Films Festival. Kent Diebolt is the Founding Partner of Vertical Access LLC, an industrial rope access company dedicated to the inspection, investigation, and documentation of monumental historic buildings. Former president of the Association for Preservation Technology, he is an expert in Guastavino projects throughout the United States. Virginia Lorente is an architect based in Valencia, Spain, who has written, illustrated, and published the children’s book on architecture My Favorite Houses, which won the Serra d’Or prize in Spain in 2013.

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