"Featuring historical photos, as well as Kaven’s own artwork, Architecture of Normal examines how the past shaped the present, and how emerging technologies, such as the autonomous vehicle, will influence the built environment for decades to come." (Rachel Gallaher, GRAY magazin, 03.22)

"Architecture of the Normal is an introspective interpretation of American urban planning, seen through the eyes of one who has appreciated and gathered its rich visual iconography for his own artistic creativity and inspiration. As a cultural manifesto, the book is mesmerizing and a testament of how civilization’s unquenchable ambition for progress has often been used as a justification for colonizing the American landscape." (Sean Ruthen, spacing.ca, 06.2022)

“Kaven [...] has assembled an enticing visual narrative that includes extensive historical photography, architecture commentary, personal anecdote and original art. It serves as a critical travelogue of what the world accepts as the American landscape, but leaves the door open for further debate over whether it is a dream-scape or nightmare.” (Steven Heller in PRINT)

“If you’re a visual learner and a lover of history and design, this book is for you. Bookseller Brad Lennon said Harvard Book Store shelves the book in the architecture section, but it’s one of his favorite history books.  

“Through images, narrative, and a detailed timeline Kaven shows how the American southwest went from a pristine landscape populated by people who were one with the land to a giant homogenized strip mall,” he said. (Boston.com)

Daniel Kaven (born New Mexico, 1977) is an American artist working in architecture, painting, film and photography and a co-founder of the multi-disciplinary design studio William / Kaven Architecture in Portland, Oregon. He is widely known for creating visionary architectural concepts and interventions that lie at the intersection of the built environment and art. His architecture has won a number of honors, including an Architecture MasterPrize; an International Architecture Award from the European Center for Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies; and several distinctions from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Kaven’s work has been published in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Architect’s Newspaper, Dwell, Designboom, Wallpaper, Architectural Digest, Dezeen and Hypebeast.