Inspired by Tradition: The Architecture of Norman Davenport Askins
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,Architecture
Inspired by Tradition: The Architecture of Norman Davenport Askins Details
Review "Visually beautiful. . . . Through portraits of 15 homes, Norman Askins shares a variety of designs that exemplify traditional architecture, for which he is known. Architects such as Philip Shutze, Neel Reid, and James Means influenced Askins’ style as did his knowledge of French, English and Italian architecture." —The Marietta Daily Journal"Having lived in the South all of his life, Norman Askins is steeped in the history of old houses and traditional architecture. While it's the exterior photos of each house that lull me into daydreams, it is the interior shots that make me sit up and take notice." —Peak of Chic Read more About the Author Norman Davenport Askins established his architectural practice in Atlanta in 1977 and is now renowned as the designer of elegant and livable houses in traditional vocabularies. An architectural historian and an architect, Askins researched the restoration of the Executive Wing of the White House as a special project for Colonial Williamsburg and served as director of restoration for John Milner Associates, a leading preservation firm. In July 2013, Askins received the inaugural A. Hays Town award from Southern Living magazine. Read more
Reviews
If you like classical domestic architecture, or classical revival, you're sure to be engaged by the work of Norman Davenport Askins, one of Atlanta's famous gentlemen architects practicing in traditional styles.Askins carries forward the tradition of Neel Reid, Philip Shutze, Buck Crook and James Means into the 21st century. This book is a monograph of 15 of his most exquisite designs.We must keep in mind that architecture is not simply exterior elevations and details. Interior spacial design, landscapes, details, and materials are every bit the architect's purview. So too is this book a complete presentation of those elements, both interior and exterior.The book is primarily a picture book, and makes only modest use of architectural devices such as plans, elevations, and details. Really, it's the superb full-page color photography that steals the show. Askins' restrained talents in the delicate application of classical motifs is on full display. His work is really to savor.The initial chapters in the book introduce the reader to stylistic elements that define the classical tradition as Askins applies them. Then, each of the 15 houses is presented in full color and in architecturally insightful words provided by the man himself. It all works beautifully.Askins is more playful and less orthodox than Reid and Means, but perhaps more restrained that Shutze. His designs run from strict Georgian revival to rambling French countryside. All are delivered with a sensitivity to quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship that is rare in our modern time.
