Architecture of the Classical Interior
Steven W. Semes
Praise for Architecture of the Classical
Interior:
"Comprehensive and crystal clear."
—New Urban News
"Author Steven Semes provides a comprehensive study of the architectural
conception and treatment of rooms designed in the classical tradition. . . .
Semes' hearty text strives to give readers a keen appreciation for the variety
of the classical interior. . . . [R]eading The Architecture of the
Classical Interior is the armchair equivalent to taking a master class in
design."
—Shelter Interiors
"A practicing architect shows how the elements that constitute the classical
interior can be composed into rooms satisfying both aesthetic and practical
criteria."
—New England Antiques Journal
"Steven W. Semes' book is like a freshly disinterred treasure-chest whose
contents he is eager to share. . . . Should remain on the shelves of bookstores
and personal libraries for as long as the art of gracious living remains. . . .
He has gathered together a great deal of widely scattered information and
assembled it all into one slender, graceful and elegant volume. The
organization of the book is lucid and useful. . . . his book offers a useful
index, an extensive bibliography and an equally extensive reading list. . . It
was indeed Semes' good fortune to be granted the opportunity to write an
unprecedented book on an important subject."
—Period Homes
"Exploring the rich array of expressions, styles, materials and treatments
that have come to define classical interiors, this book reveals an
architectural model that is not limited in its artistic possibilities but
rather free to assume any numbers of its identities. Each chapter is dedicated
to a particular principle of the classical interior exploring themes that have
shaped it throughout history. Illustrated with photographs, original drawings
and plans of historic interiors, uncovering a rich language unique to classical
design."
—Period House
Reviews:
"[A] seminal book and will most certainly serve as a springboard to even greater vigor in the growth of the knowledge and practice of traditional architecture, both from the standpoint of sheer volume and from the more significant standpoint of quality." -American Arts Quarterly
Read an exerpt published in ArchitectureWeek!
Overview
The principles of classical architecture applied to the design of interiors, both residential and public.
A practicing architect shows how the elements that constitute the classical interior-wall and ceiling treatments, doors and windows, fireplaces, and stairs-can be composed into rooms satisfying both aesthetic and practical criteria. Historic and contemporary examples illustrate both generic and specific solutions for designers working in the classical tradition today.
About the Author
Steven W. Semes is an architect in New York City and East Hampton.
ISBN: 0-393-73075-1
Winter 2004
160 pages, cloth, 25 color, 150 b&w photographs
