Michael Sorkin Pulls No Punches in New Book of Criticism

Norman Weinstein reviews Sorkin's new book All Over the Map. Sorkin, he says, is at his best when exposing the injustices of architecture.

1 minute read

November 11, 2011, 12:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur


All Over the Map: Writing on Buildings and Cities, is a collection of essays that appeared in The Architectural Record and other publications.

Weinstein says that Sorkin's criticism possesses "a vinegary tang":

"With so much architectural criticism today veering between laudatory portraits of architectural celebrities on the one hand, and ideological and theoretically-loaded cultural critiques of architects on the other, it is refreshing to read a critic who scans the landscape exposing scams, and heralding genuinely livable, sustainable, and occasionally even affordable urban architecture."

Weinstein pulls some choice quotes, including Sorkin's take on Rem Koolhaas' Prada store.

Friday, November 11, 2011 in ArchNewsNow

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog