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Laura Torres Roa, Jorge Álvarez-Builla |
New from DOM publishers:
Laura Torres Roa, Jorge Álvarez-Builla
Architectural Guide Lima
With more than 10 million inhabitants, the Peruvian capital Lima is one of the largest cities in Latin America – and a city of paradox. The urban layout of its historic centre is the most perfect Cartesian grid in South America, and filled with centuries-old (colonial) buildings and pre-Columbian treasures and monuments, yet mass migrations have also generated large informal settlements that surround this thriving coastal city.
The Architectural Guide Lima, which is also available in a Spanish language edition as Guía de arquitectura Lima, presents some 160 buildings and places of interest from all districts of the city – from Ancón in the north, to Santa Maria del Mar in the south. Eight chapters introduce tours through different parts of the city that can be undertaken by various means of transportation. The coastal region, for example, can be explored by boat, Arequipa-Larco and West Lima by bicycle, and the historic city centre is best discovered on foot.
The architectural guide draws attention to the most important local factors and particularities that have shaped Lima’s architecture since its foundation some 500 years ago, and places a special emphasis on the urban development processes and economic activities that went with it. Extensive, in parts specially commissioned photographic material is used to illustrate the urban growth and the cultural architectural diversity of the metropolis, sometimes providing surprising insights. Guest contributions and thematic essays, for example on the Case Study Houses, or building in an area prone to earthquakes, provide a more in-depth analysis of the bustling mega-city.
The two Spanish architects and authors Laura Torres Roa and Jorge Álvarez-Builla lived in Lima for several years. They are especially concerned about drawing attention to the development of the urban structure and to revise the common perception of the Peruvian capital. Indeed, the prejudice and stereotypes that are sometimes used to describe Lima are often not very kind. The city – so it goes – is monstrous, grey, and drab. But the guide shows a modern, vibrant, and diverse city which is worthy of a second chance.
 © Evelyn Merino Reyna |
 © Laura Torres Roa |
 © Candy Torres |
The Architectural Guides by DOM publishers are handy travel companions for readers interested in architecture and culture. Projects are carefully selected and researched to make each individual book a ready work of reference, while background information and attractive design inspire armchair travellers to imaginary journeys. The series has received several awards which led to DOM publishers being presented with the Deutscher Verlagspreis (German Publisher Award) in 2020 and 2022. Further information at: dom-publishers.com
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