New York Architecture 1970-90

Over the past two decades, New York City has undergone a building frenzy, leading to Gotham's reputation as ``the eclectic city par excellence,'' according to theoretician Christian Norberg-Schultz, quoted here. Focusing on 130 projects by 50 architects and firms, from I. M. Pei, Edward Larrabee Barnes and Helmut Jahn to many lesser-knowns, the authors consider examples from competitions and unbuilt proposals, notably those of Rem Koolhaas and Bernard Tschumi. Despite the visual wealth packed into its 340 pages, the book's handsome layout, excellent color reproduction and lucid text make this architectural tour unhurried and rewarding for professionals and amateurs. Included are seven perspective-giving essays, a hefty closing section on work done outside of New York by featured architects and a pull-out map of Manhattan with building sites marked. Klotz is former director of the German Architectural Museum in Frankfurt, where Saban is an art historian. (Dec.)