“Learning from Las Vegas: The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form” by Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Steven Izenour is a seminal work in the field of architecture and urban planning. Originally published in 1972, the book challenged traditional architectural conventions and offered a new way of understanding the built environment.
Venturi, Scott Brown, and Izenour argue that modernist architects had overlooked the symbolic and communicative aspects of architecture in their pursuit of functionalism and minimalism. They use Las Vegas as a case study to demonstrate how commercial buildings and signs can convey meaning and engage with their surroundings in ways that are often dismissed by architectural theorists.
Through a series of essays, photographs, and illustrations, the authors explore the architectural landscape of Las Vegas, analyzing its buildings, signs, and urban layout. They argue that Las Vegas represents a unique form of architectural expression that is worthy of serious study and consideration.
“Learning from Las Vegas” has had a profound impact on architectural theory and practice, inspiring a generation of architects to reconsider the role of symbolism and communication in their designs. The book remains a classic text in the field and a must-read for anyone interested in architecture, urban planning, or the cultural significance of the built environment.