"Architecture of the Absurd"

Boston's skyline holds many architectural gems, both historical and modern. Picture Trinity Church and the Prudential Tower, for instance. The city is also home to some gaffes, such as the leaky, moldy Stata Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

They all captivate John Silber. The former president of Boston University, now a professor there, is an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects. Recently, he published the book, 'Architecture of the Absurd — How 'Genius' Disfigured a Practical Art.'

John Silber joined WBUR's Bob Oakes for a conversation about architecture. They started by talking about the distinction between architects who consider themselves practical artists and those who see themselves as fine artists.

Audio for this story will be available on WBUR's web site later today.