The book “Great Expectations-Notes to an Architect” is a legacy, a story that speaks to the experiences and learnings of architect Christopher Benninger. From his childhood days in Gainesville, when he discovered all the creativity everywhere around him and he became fascinated, he learned. A mention is made of the Ponce de Leon Hotel designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany which also happened to be the first electrified building in America with the man behind it being Thomas Edison.
It’s fascinating how a young boy looks at everything around him with curiosity. I love how he says, I was a traveller not a tourist. I can totally relate to that as whenever I travel, I try to blend in, stay there for a period of time, and not just be a tourist. Seeing his experience become an autobiography is so wonderful.
In addition, he discusses how various architects have come to India to plant their seeds while young Indian architects are going to America and Europe when their own court has so much potential to develop. His belief is that the architects of today and tomorrow are uniquely positioned to better the world, and he holds great expectations for us all.
Great expectations drive the realization called architecture. Great expectations drive our spiritual search. Great expectations ignite our passions and drive us to hard work. Somewhere within this search is where architecture dwells. Architecture hides within a spiritual path called life.
-Ar.Christopher Benninger
This book is a journey of a true architect, the people he met, the influences they had on him and perhaps that is what made him what he was. A beautifully curated series of four chapters chronicles Ar. Christopher’s life in which architecture wasn’t showcased as just his occupation but an avenue to spirituality. I, Ar. Kritika Juneja would personally recommend every architect and student to read it, to be inspired by it, and find one’s own path to spirituality based on his inspirations. In addition, I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to Mr. Ramprasad Akkisetti for giving me this wonderful opportunity to review this book.
Reviewed By:- Ar.Kritika Juneja
