Martin C. Pedersen

Witold Rybczynski’s New Cultural History of the Chair

07.27.2016

By Martin C. Pedersen

In his new book, the author Witold Rybczynski has pulled off a deft trick. Now I Sit Me Down, due out next month, feels loose and relaxed, as well as grounded and authoritative. In a way, it’s like a good chair. The book, a sweeping look, rendered in concise breezy prose, blends first person accounts […]

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In his new book, the author Witold Rybczynski has pulled off a deft trick. Now I Sit Me Down, due out next month, feels loose and relaxed, as well as grounded and authoritative. In a way, it’s like a good chair. The book, a sweeping look, rendered in concise breezy prose, blends first person accounts […]

Watching the George Lucas Fiasco from the Cheap Seats

06.28.2016

By Martin C. Pedersen

In the face of considerable opposition, a relentless civic organization, a pesky lawsuit, and a sympathetic judge, the legendary filmmaker has decided to pull his Museum of Narrative Art out of Chicago.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

In the face of considerable opposition, a relentless civic organization, a pesky lawsuit, and a sympathetic judge, the legendary filmmaker has decided to pull his Museum of Narrative Art out of Chicago.

Donald Trump and the Rage Against Robots

06.16.2016

By Martin C. Pedersen

For all of its insanity, buffoonery, cluelessness, bigotry and narcissism, Trump’s candidacy is tapping into something else besides racism and xenophobia: Economic displacement.

manufacturing robots

For all of its insanity, buffoonery, cluelessness, bigotry and narcissism, Trump’s candidacy is tapping into something else besides racism and xenophobia: Economic displacement.

Why Was Rem Koolhaas’ AIA Speech Not Widely Covered?

06.09.2016

By Martin C. Pedersen

There was a time, not too long ago, when a Koolhaas speech given to thousands of his fellow architects would constitute news. At least in the architecture press. Apparently, that time is not now.

rem in philly

There was a time, not too long ago, when a Koolhaas speech given to thousands of his fellow architects would constitute news. At least in the architecture press. Apparently, that time is not now.

Richard Florida on the Enduring Legacy of Jane Jacobs

05.02.2016

By Martin C. Pedersen

In celebration of the Jacobs centennial, the noted urbanist and author talks about the legend, their close relationship in her later years, and her lasting influence on his work.

photos for li-janeswalk_9

In celebration of the Jacobs centennial, the noted urbanist and author talks about the legend, their close relationship in her later years, and her lasting influence on his work.

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