Architecture in Philadelphia

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This comprehensive study of Philadelphia's architecture, originally published in 1974, documents buildings from Colonial times to the twentieth century. Based on extensive research, including archival searches and street explorations, it lists around 450 buildings and locations, with approximately 240 illustrated by contemporary photographs. Each entry includes the building's location, construction date, and architect, along with details of significant alterations where applicable. Brief commentaries provide historical context and critical evaluations of architectural merits. The book opens with a historical overview of Philadelphia's architecture and planning, followed by a guide divided into seven sections: Center City, Fairmount Park, North Philadelphia, the Northeast, South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia (including the University of Pennsylvania campus), and Germantown. The authors emphasize area development and general trends while showcasing the diversity of styles, featuring individualized buildings alongside more typical examples. Notable architects represented include Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton from the eighteenth century, William Strickland and Frank Furman from the nineteenth, and Louis I. Kahn and Robert Venturi from the twentieth. This work serves as an invaluable resource for both tourists exploring the city and those wishing to experience Philadelphia's architectural heritage from afar.