Michael Sorkin Pulls No Punches in New Book of Criticism

Norman Weinstein reviews Sorkin's new book All Over the Map. Sorkin, he says, is at his best when exposing the injustices of architecture.

1 minute read

November 11, 2011, 12:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur


All Over the Map: Writing on Buildings and Cities, is a collection of essays that appeared in The Architectural Record and other publications.

Weinstein says that Sorkin's criticism possesses "a vinegary tang":

"With so much architectural criticism today veering between laudatory portraits of architectural celebrities on the one hand, and ideological and theoretically-loaded cultural critiques of architects on the other, it is refreshing to read a critic who scans the landscape exposing scams, and heralding genuinely livable, sustainable, and occasionally even affordable urban architecture."

Weinstein pulls some choice quotes, including Sorkin's take on Rem Koolhaas' Prada store.

Friday, November 11, 2011 in ArchNewsNow

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of hand holding small white square thermoelectric generator in lab with computer in background.

Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity

Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.

5 hours ago - Fast Company

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

6 hours ago - Stanford University News

Red City of Terre Haute small transit bus in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.

7 hours ago - Indiana Public Media

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.