Ephemeral City: Cite Looks at Houston

Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press, 2003. Book. Fine. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). First Edition. [xiii] 316 pages. Index. Foreword by Peter G. Rowe (Dean, Faculty of Design, Harvard University). From the publisher: "Built around characteristic features of modern life such as rapid change, built-in obsolescence, indeterminacy, media orientation, a culture of style, and instant gratification, Houston is an ephemeral city, hard to pin down and understand. This title explores the developmental history and architecture of this flat, sprawling, free-spirited city." Cite, the Architecture and Design Review of Houston has published on this topic since 1982. Twenty-five articles have been selected by the editors from the publication's first twenty years for this book. The ample text is beautifully illustrated with 224 black and white photographs, maps, and plans. The contents are organized into three parts. PART I: IDEA OF THE CITY (Introduction by Bruce C. Webb). PART II: PLACES OF THE CITY (Introduction by Barrie Scardino). PART III: BUILDINGS OF THE CITY (Introduction by William F. Stern). All three editors have signed the book on the title page. William F. Stern (signed "Bill") provided an inscription that reveals the book provenance: "For Arthur Jones-One of Houston's finest modern architects." You need look no farther that the front panel of the dust jacket to see an example of Arthur Jones' work-the Houston Astrodome (Harris County Domed Stadium)..