Learning from Las Vegas, revised edition Book Summary

'Learning from Las Vegas' challenges traditional architectural aesthetics by celebrating the flamboyant and often dismissed design of Las Vegas. Venturi, Scott Brown, and Izenour advocate for a broader understanding of what constitutes meaningful architecture, emphasizing the role of commercial and vernacular styles. The revised edition offers fresh insights and critiques, inviting readers to reconsider the relationship between culture, space, and identity. With vibrant illustrations and compelling arguments, the authors explore how the 'Vegas ethos' can inform contemporary design. This provocative work not only reshapes architectural theory but also compels us to question our preconceptions about beauty and functionality in the built environment.

By Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, Steven Izenour

Published: 1977

""The architecture of Las Vegas suggests that we can learn more from the everyday, the banal, and the symbols of popular culture than from the grand ideals of historical architecture.""

Book Review of Learning from Las Vegas, revised edition

Learning from Las Vegas created a healthy controversy on its appearance in 1972, calling for architects to be more receptive to the tastes and values of "common" people and less immodest in their erections of "heroic," self-aggrandizing monuments. This revision includes the full texts of Part I of the original, on the Las Vegas strip, and Part II, "Ugly and Ordinary Architecture, or the Decorated Shed," a generalization from the findings of the first part on symbolism in architecture and the iconography of urban sprawl. (The final part of the first edition, on the architectural work of the firm Venturi and Rauch, is not included in the revision.) The new paperback edition has a smaller format, fewer pictures, and a considerably lower price than the original. There are an added preface by Scott Brown and a bibliography of writings by the members of Venturi and Rauch and about the firm's work.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 30 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Julian Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Julian Shapiro is a renowned writer and entrepreneur, acclaimed for his insightful essays on personal growth and marketing strategies. He is the author of "The Julian Shapiro Collection," a compilation of his most impactful writings that have garnered a wide readership online. Shapiro co-founded the growth marketing agency Bell Curve, where he has helped numerous startups achieve exponential growth. His work often blends practical advice with deep philosophical inquiries, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. Through his prolific writing and entrepreneurial ventures, Julian has become a key figure in the intersection of business and self-improvement literature.

Self-ImprovementBusiness and Leadership

Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureCreativity and Innovation

Daniel Burka's Book Recommendations

Daniel Burka is a prominent figure in the tech and design world, best known for his significant contributions to digital product design. As a design partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures), he has played a crucial role in shaping the user experience of numerous successful startups. Burka co-founded the design agency MetaLab, which has worked with top-tier clients like Slack and Coinbase. Additionally, his work at Digg as the Director of Design helped pioneer social media design trends in the early 2000s. While not primarily an author, Burka's influence extends into literature through his insightful writings and talks on design and innovation.

Creativity and InnovationTechnology and Future

Jason Fried's Book Recommendations

Jason Fried is an influential entrepreneur and author best known as the co-founder and CEO of Basecamp, a project management and team collaboration software company. He has notably co-authored several best-selling books, including "Rework" and "Remote: Office Not Required," which challenge conventional business practices and advocate for more efficient, flexible work environments. Fried's clear, straightforward writing style has resonated with a wide audience, making complex business concepts accessible. His work has significantly contributed to the discourse on modern work culture and productivity. Fried continues to influence contemporary business thought through his writing and leadership at Basecamp.

Business and LeadershipProductivity

John D Saunders's Book Recommendations

John D. Saunders is an accomplished digital marketing strategist and author known for his insightful works on entrepreneurship and business growth. With a sharp focus on leveraging digital tools to enhance business performance, Saunders has penned several influential books that have helped countless entrepreneurs streamline their operations and scale efficiently. His notable work includes "The Blockbuster Blueprint," a comprehensive guide on digital marketing strategies. Beyond writing, Saunders is a sought-after speaker, sharing his expertise at numerous industry conferences and workshops. His contributions extend to his role as the founder of 5Four Digital, where he continues to innovate and drive forward-thinking marketing solutions.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Gretchen Rubin's Book Recommendations

Gretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and happiness expert, best known for her books The Happiness Project and Better Than Before. She explores the science of habits, happiness, and human behavior, helping readers improve their everyday lives. Gretchen’s popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to cultivate a more joyful and meaningful life. Her work emphasizes small, daily changes that can lead to long-term well-being. She continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics of happiness and habit formation.

Self-ImprovementWellness WisdomMindfulnessSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

Creativity and InnovationInspiring ReadsSelf-Improvement

Nick Ganju's Book Recommendations

Nick Ganju is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Zocdoc, a digital healthcare platform that allows users to find and book medical appointments online. Ganju helped create Zocdoc as a way to improve access to healthcare by simplifying the process of connecting patients with doctors. The platform has since grown into one of the leading digital health services in the U.S., making it easier for millions of people to receive timely medical care. Ganju is known for his expertise in both technology and healthcare, and he has been a vocal advocate for improving healthcare accessibility through digital innovation.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureHealth and Nutrition

"The architecture of Las Vegas suggests that we can learn more from the everyday, the banal, and the symbols of popular culture than from the grand ideals of historical architecture."

Learning from Las Vegas, revised edition

By Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, Steven Izenour