The New American Dream: Living Well in Small Homes

by James Gauer

Simplicity, modesty, and skillful design are the principles that have guided James Gauer both in his architecture practice and in the selection of the seventeen outstanding projects featured in this unique compilation of small homes by architects from around the country. A range of housing types and settings -- from a diminutive New York City apartment to a farmhouse in Pennsylvania, a cottage in Santa Monica, and a single-family home in Nashville...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580931472
• ISBN13: 9781580931472
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Monacelli Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 2.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.2" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

Smaller is Better

The New American Dream is a marvelous pictoral essay presenting a well argued thesis for the superiority of small spaces. The breakdown of the book into sections which focus on specific aesthetic merits that small houses and apartments can provide is extremely well articulated. It is so refreshing to be able enjoy a book on design that has a text worthy of its photographs.

Great ideas, beautiful photography

I bought this book at Strand Bookstore in New York because of the beautiful photography and details the author included about each featured home. I love that there is a movement (apparently) towards smaller homes. I'm originally from Houston, and the disgusting scale of houses in the suburbs is such a contrast to the wonderful buildings featured in this book. The only problem I had was I felt that most of the dwellings featured were second homes. I would like to have seen more primary residences.