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Rafael Guastavino Sr. was 39 when he left a successful career as an architect in Barcelona. American cities-densely packed and built largely of wood-were experiencing horrific fires, and Guastavino had the solution: The soaring interior spaces created by his tiled vaults and domes made buildings sturdier, fireproof, and beautiful. What he didn't have was fluent English. Unable to win design commissions, he transferred control of the company to his American-educated son, whose subsequent half-century of inspired design work resulted in major contributions to the built environment of America.
Immigrant Architect is an introduction to architectural concepts and a timely reminder of immigrant contributions to America. The book includes four route maps for visiting Guastavino-designed spaces in New York City: uptown, midtown, downtown, and Prospect Park.
About the author
Berta de Miguel is a trained architect specializing in
the restoration of historic structures who works as Vertical Access New York
City Branch Manager. This position has allowed her to work regularly in
Guastavino-designed spaces. Part of this interaction with Guastavino is
included in the documentary El Arquitecto de Nueva York, by Eva Vizcarra, which
was selected for the Gold Dolphin at the Cannes Festival and for Best Biography
recognition in the New York Festival World's Best TV & Films Festival.
