Borderwall as Architecture is an artistic and intellectual hand grenade of a book; and a timely re-examination of what the physical barrier that divides the United States of America from the United Mexican States is and could be. It is both a protest against the wall and a projection about its future. Through a series of propositions suggesting that the nearly seven hundred miles of wall is an opportunity for economic and social development along the border that encourages its conceptual and physical dismantling; the book takes readers on a journey along a wall that cuts through a “third nationâ€â€”the Divided States of America. On the way the transformative effects of the wall on people; animals; and the natural and built landscape are exposed and interrogated through the story of people who; on both sides of the border; transform the wall; challenging its existence in remarkably creative ways. Coupled with these real-life accounts are counterproposals for the wall; created by Rael’s studio; that reimagine; hyperbolize; or question the wall and its construction; cost; performance; and meaning. Rael proposes that despite the intended use of the wall; which is to keep people out and away; the wall is instead an attractor; engaging both sides in a common dialogue. Included is a collection of reflections on the wall and its consequences by leading experts Michael Dear; Norma Iglesias-Prieto; Marcello Di Cintio; and Teddy Cruz.
#60825 in Books 2012-04-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .70 x 6.00l; 1.05 #File Name: 0520272900296 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. The history of how cultures end!By Martha DasenbrockDr. Montgomery studied geology at Stanford and geomorphology at UC Berk. He has travelled widely and studied how cultures fail when they let their soil erode. His writing style is superior as is his commitment to his subject of interest. If you w ant to get down in the dirt about how to survive; this is the most important book to read. I rarely put my Oasis down before I finished it. My primary interest now is soils. My mission is to do things as close to perfectly on my one quarter of an acre. The first premise is no tilling; using cover crops; composting; and moving into planting as many perennial food trees; shrubs; etc. as I can fit in.Read it; read it. read it. Do not let whatever soil you have blow away or wash away. Cherish your dirt as the most important thing you have because it is.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Home gardener approvedBy CRYes; the text is dry (pardon the pun but it really is); but the information is well presented and fascinating. I've been pecking away at it a few pages or chapters at a time; usually on long trips as I got the kindle edition; and I always learn something from history; science; or culture along the way. If this book doesn't get you to go organic; compost your own yard waste; or otherwise make you more aware of human history and the fragility and value of the soil beneath your feet; I'm not sure what will.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. You will NEVER look at your food; or dirt ...By Laurie KochYou will NEVER look at your food; or dirt; the same again. And you will be very worried about the apathy and indifference of your neighbors...
