Book review Castles in the Air: A witty but stark look at the world of architecture
Author Sangeet Sharma in a humorous manner looks at the issues that plague architecture as a subject of study and profession.
Written in a comical manner, Sangeet Sharma delves into the lives of architects as they, often unwittingly, or with oblique aspirations pursue a career to realize others’ dreams.
The book, in a humorous manner deals with everything from trying to pursue a degree in architecture to the frustration of dealing with clients and their general distrust with architects.
The author leaves no stones unturned in showing the unprofessional contractors and suppliers that architects have to deal with along with the lack luster attitude of the education system at large.
The book is aimed at readers who love a bit of laughter in life, while at the same time, look forward to understanding the pathos, that often, beguile a otherwise seemingly nonchalant existence.
From eager housewives who actually know nothing about the intricacies of architecture and still want their flawed designs to be implemented, to the unwavering small time dreamers who want to make it big, to those who have become accidental architects, the book creates a wavering graph of the dichotomy that the profession presents.
What might make the book tick with readers is its unwavering bent towards humour. From its very cover image of David (Michaelangelo creation) popping gum, to the characters that are represented within the book, who, with their characteristic ticks, or beguiling situations make for some fun read.
While, one may think that the book is meant for everyone who is remotely connected to the building industry or real estate (it does offer some interesting insights to those), what makes it transcend is the author’s ability to humanize it and create a life story/ life lesson for readers who might take away something from it.