PublicationS

Like many traditional architects of the era, Fred Bassetti & Company did not place much value on self-promotion- the work was supposed to speak for itself.  However, this approach was obviously problematic for a secretive project on the other side of the world.

During design and construction, the project was published in general articles about embassies and the Foreign Buildings Office (FBO), showing drawings and construction photos.  When construction was completed in 1983, however, there were no plans to hire a professional photographer or have the project published due to its remote location and related costs.

Therefore, I proposed to get the project published myself.  Never mind that I had no experience and was too naïve to know that projects were typically published in architectural journals because their architects used renowned architectural photographers and established public relations agents.  Fortunately, Bassetti's daughter, Catherine, a professional photographer, was able to take photographs when the building opened, and soon afterward I obtained permission from the embassy to visit and take photographs, and was able to get the project published in A+U.