Reviews (3)

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS TRULY IN FOCUS
Now in focus: A photo-packed history of a city that once was. Part architectural retrospective, part biography, part cultural and social history, this gem is both a brilliant evocation of the noted architect's life and times, as well as a portfolio of unforgettable images of his priceless legacy to the Big Apple, such sa Madison Square Garden and the Washington Square Arch. Author David Garrard Lowe marries stunning photographs with lively prose that brings to life the glittering, and often sensational, world of New York's
"beau mode" --- both city and country ---- in the late 19th and 20thc centuries. Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today ... to buy this book.

VIVID, DETAILED, VERY READABLE
This is an excellent portrayal of Stanford White, his childhood, his education, and the brick-by-brick rise of his stellar architectural career. The narrative contains none of the rancor of Suzannah Lessard's portrayal of White, instead focusing on the myriad buildings he designed and his masterful blending of diverse architectural styles. The technical descriptions are balanced by colorful accounts of White's clients, White's personal life, and the maelstrom surrounding White's tragic death. This isn't just an architectural book, it's very readable American history. Dozens of photographs accompany the text.

I loved it
The book business is really weird. Hundreds of people who know nothing -- the authors of those Chicken Soup and diet books come to mind -- write books that leap out of the bookstores. And scholars who spend years learning about fascinating subjects end up being the 1,456,657th best seller on Amazon.com. I was browsing in my library when I came across this retrospective of Stanford White's work and life in New York. It's a magnificent book, lovingly and intelligently written; the kind of book you can read once a year and continue to enjoy. Anybody who loves history, particularly the history of NYCity should try to get this book. The pictures are terrific. The authors should be proud of themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nice pics.
If you are inerested in late modern architecture and the thoughts "behind the men", it is a good resource. Lots of bright photos of Kahn's work. The text is a little sparse. but for the price it's a good deal.

Learn why a city can deserve to exist, and more!
Kahn's words in this book are very wise.

For just one example: The reason a city might deserve to exist is not due to packing a lot of warm squirming bodies into a small cubic footage, but rather to be a place where persons can explore things that interest them beyond the requirements of reproduction of individual and species life which determines peasant (and other non-urban) life.

A city is a place where a young person, as they walk through it, observing various master craftspersons at work, may find something they *want* to do for their whole life (not just something they *have* to do to earn a "living").

This is remarkable stuff, especially when we compare it with the ethical vapidity of postmodernism. Read this book and then see how the "world" you live in and the architects who designed it shapes up. Do you live in spaces which nurture creative human association? Or do you live and work in "decorated sheds" that put sugar coating on places that make you and your loved ones be banal?

A good book to begin with
If you're someone who's interested in architecture,but don't seem to get the hang of it, the word of Louis I. Kahn might help. I was a sopmore when I read the book , classes were a bit blur to me,it was like seeing an image but not sure of what you were looking at. But this book put things in a way that incouraged me as a student , to see the many concepts from life that concerned an architect, and how an an archetect was more of a artist of living, a thinker than just a constrution manager. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Published on the occasion of a major international traveling exhibition organized by the U.S. Library of Congress and the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany (holders of the two richest Eames collections in the world), this comprehensive volume is a testament to the Eameses' belief that good design could improve people's lives. From the 1940s to the 1970s, the prolific husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames designed furniture, buildings, exhibitions, and interiors, and made films. They are perhaps best known for the form-fitting chairs that were mass-produced using the same techniques the Eameses developed in their first apartment. Taking a multifaceted approach to their multifaceted careers, this comprehensive, clothbound volume with French folds includes a filmography, making clear the pair's profound influence on the visual vernacular of the 20th century. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Modern Design @ it's best!!
Words don't do justice to the work & imagination of Ray & Charles Eames! This is a beautiful book covering the creative minds of two of the best modern furniture designers. Filled with great pictures, & very complete text of their design & the many other things they created besides furniture.The Eames' are my biased favorite, if you love modern 50's furniture,fabric, & art you must have this book.They worked for the infamous Herman Miller company, who has reissued many of the Eames furniture pieces available again today.As creator of the modern molded fiberglass chair, & molded plywood, the Museaum Of Modern Art has Charles' chairs as Art, which they are & comfortable too!More than comparable to their Danish counterparts,this couple brought us sleek,smooth lined furniture that will take us into the space age for at least another fifty years!(check out A.I.-incredible backgrounds of modern furniture!)

Everything Eames
This is a wonderful addition to any coffee table! I learned so much about this creative couple that I never knew before. The pictures are A+ & very well done. If you are a fan of Eames furniture, you cannot live without this book!!

Founders of a Profession
The Eamses were innovators in many fields such as Architecture, furniture design, film, etc. But to my mind their gretest acheivement was the definition of a new profession, 'Graphic Design', or as I beleive they called it, a 'Design Office'.

Up till then, there was 'Commercial Art', and 'Art Departments', and whatever styling was applied to an industrial product was done as an afterthought, and usually by an amateur.

After The Eamses, a new recognition that the design of appearances was a craft and a profession, and not just an art, was born.

This book demonstrates in many ways, how Ray and Charles Eames applied this and many other insights to the various fields of endeavor that they entered and changed forever.

There is culture in LA!
As a kid growing up I wasn't so crazy about the modernism that the Eames represented - but as an adult in a post-modern society you can really see their charm and warmth. This books reads like a history of visual design for the later half of the 20th Century. Charles and Ray did it all - industrial design, architecture, graphics, film and of course furniture. Long before multimedia was a buzzword, these two were making magic. I only wish that the book has some of the more charming details of their lives (the Smithsonian exhibit actually had their Christmas cards). But all in all, this is a fantastic read...

The bible for Eames lovers!
This is a wonderful book. I have Eames furniture and love it, but only a small part of this book is about the furniture. This book discusses the art, architecture, films, "multimedia" pieces, and more created by Charles and Ray Eames. There are short tributes from coworkers, friends, and luminaries like Robert Venturi at the end. A great book! ... Read more

Book Description

Building in China is about striking an architectural balance between the pull of monumental tradition and the push of technological novelty. Centering on the dynamic period of post-imperial and pre-Communist China, the book focuses on the building and city planning initiatives of Henry Murphy. A little-known American architect, Murphy ventured to China in 1914 to design a campus for the Yale-in-China program and found himself captivated by the question of how to preserve China's rich architectural traditions while also designing new buildings using up-to-date Western technologies. Murphy's buildings were compromises in a tumultuous society facing an uncertain future. Inadvertently they became political emblems, as Chinese rulers such as Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen's son called on Murphy for city planning advice to complement their hopes for urban reconstruction.

There are few serious studies of Western architects in the 20th century who practiced in non-Western contexts, and this book make significant contributions to the fields of both American and Chinese architectural history. Those interested in city planning or urban history, post-colonialist theory, comparative Asian studies, the history of technology or historic preservation practice will find this book breaking new ground by analyzing fresh evidence. ... Read more

Book Description

* Features the work of internationally acclaimed architect/engineer
* Beautifully illustrated with Calstrava's own sketches, drawings, photographs of all projects ... Read more

Book Description

While the computer has made sweeping transparent planes and polished metal details comonplace, at least in renderings, few architects are actually building these images, and none with the craft and imagination of Smith-Miller + Hawkinson.This New York-based practice has recently vaulted into international prominence with the completion of their Glass Museum in Corning, New York. Built entirely of glass walls held in place by marine-quality fittings, this building has stunned the world with its sensuous qualities of transparency, reflection, and retraction. Between Spaces is a collaboration between the architects and the world-famous photographer Judith Turner, whose seminal book Judith Turner Photographs Five Architects established a new way of looking at architectural photography upon its publication two decades ago.Her dramatic duotone photographs illustrate the details, complexity, and qualities of light and space found inn Smith-Miller + Hawkinson's architecture. This new monograph features in-depth examinations of five recently constructed projects--Corning Glass Center, Loft for Robert Greenburg, InsideOut/Fabrications, North Carolina Musuem of Art Amphitheater & Outdoor Cinema, and Pier 11--and two unbuilt projects--Ferry Terminal Guidlines and Shilla-Daechi Bulding.This beautiful volume is lavishly illustrated with plans, models, and stunning tour-de-force photography. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Architect's text enjoyable to read
This basically documents the architect's work but is not a great book. The photos, although good, are not top quality. There are lots of construction drawings, in a separate section (forcing a lot of flipping back and forth, BTW), but they were not redone for the book, are tiny reproductions of the originals, so not too readable. You usually at least get a floor plan, and some rough sketches in the text section, but the point of the book is not to explain how these buildings are built.

The worst aspect is the commentary by the two authors, mere filler material. The best are the words of the architect himself, who can offer background on all his projects, and who comes across as very sincere.

Murcutt: an Engineer's Perspective
This Review is not only an Engineer's perspective of Murcutt - it's also, in a way, a definitive statement that Murcutt has the perspective required of an Engineer.
As a marine engineer with a keen professional and personal involvement with architecture, I have grown to respect Glenn Murcutt deeply. This book expresses much of what could be said about him, about his work, his principles and his motivation.
I have been most impressed by the interpretation of Murcutt's architecture by the engineers associated with him, as well as the fruit borne in the lives of younger architects who have studied under his guidance, and have continued to co-labour with him in Australia today. If only it were so all over the world!
The influence of Murcutt in our day must surely rank with that of Aalto during the past century.
Inspired and highly recommended reading and study for all students of architecture, regional modernism and vernacular materials, as well as engineers with a passion for design.
Brent O'Callaghan
Engineer - Cape Town

Finally, A Good Murcutt Book
I have been into Murcutt's work for a few years now, but I have been disappointed by the lack of good books on his work. Until now, the best book around was Phaidon's '3 houses'. The only projects I have been able to see have been single family houses in the middle of the australian brush--so it was pretty cool to see this book with houses (or at least A house) in an urban area as well as larger commercial type buildings (like the education center).

As far as I know, all of his projects are shown in the book--built and unbuilt in great detail. The first 30 pages or so of the book is a collection of essays by both the authors and Murcutt. Then the book gets into his projects chronilogically--each with photographs, sketches and drawings.

The last part of the book is a collection of 'blue-print' drawings showing the plans and more importantly the construction details of all his buildings--all in pretty good detail showing dimensions and materials.

Im stingy with my book money--but I definately feel like I got my money's worth outta this one.

Glen Murcutt: A Singular Architectural Practice
The Pritzker laureate selected his favorite buildings for this handsomely illustrated monograph, with its insightful text by two Australian architectural professors who know his work well. Nearly a third of the pages are devoted to drawings that illuminate Murcutt's meticulous approach to design. ... Read more

Book Description

Founded in Florence in 1966, Superstudio challenged the modernist orthodoxy that architecture and technological advances could improve the world by creating alternative visions of the future in photo-montages, sketches, collages and films. The five members of Superstudio: Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, Gian Piero Frassinelli, Alessandro Magris, Roberto Magris and Adolfo Natalini-were equally pessimistic about politics and its ability to solve mounting social, cultural and environmental problems. This Fall 2003 New York exhibition catalogue, drawn from Superstudio's archive and curated in collaboration with members of the group, will revisit its work and trace its influence on subsequent generations of architects.

Superstudio: Life without Objects collects nearly 200 of the group's most important images, collages, storyboards and critical writings. White monuments crossing over entire landscapes and cities, vast grid groundplanes spreading over infinite beaches populated by wandering hippies: these are some of the more evocative images that consolidated their fame as vanguard architects. In 1972, MoMA invited them to participate in one of the largest exhibitions in its history, built around Italian design and architecture. With essays from Peter Lang and William Menking, the book is designed to provide the reader with the most detailed account of this avant-garde design group and their lively assault on modernism.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Finally
This book is a long time coming. The influential Superstudio gang has been virtually absent from publication for decades, and this companion book to the 2003-2004 traveling exhibit is essential for understanding their work. There are essays by all the major figures as well as from the authors of "Life Without Objects." The inclusion of early exhibit photos, storyboards, and many of the lesser known graphics and projects is enlightening--and there are plenty of manifestos rendered in clearly read text.

I studied under Superstudio's Toraldo di Francia more than ten years ago, but there were a lot of things about his past work that were not clear, nor elaborated until I read this book.

Anyone interested in history in general will appreciate this book, and I would strongly recommend this book to anyone in architecture and the arts. A great effort and it's about time. Bravi (sic) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The prairie spoke. . . and Wright listened!
"Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Houses," by Carla Lind, is one of a series of mini-books dedicated to the work of this important architect. This volume focuses on Wright's Prairie Houses. As Lind notes, the Prairie School of architecture was inspired by the "spacious, horizontal feeling" of the American prairie. This book pays particular attention to several of Wright's Prairie masterpieces built between 1900 and 1908.

This book shares many of the admirable characteristics of other volumes in the series: a profusion of superb full-color photographs (both interior and exterior), Lind's interesting text, illuminating sidebar quotes from Wright and others, and a brief but useful bibliography. Houses pictured include the Bradley House of Kankakee, Illinois; the Darwin Martin House of Buffalo, New York; the Stockman House of Mason City, Iowa; and many more.

The only flaw in the book is the lack of any legible floor plans. Although floor plans are not a focus of this series as a whole, author Lind does call attention to the distinctive features of the Prairie House floor plans several times in the text. Thus, one or two representative plans would have really enhanced this volume. Actually, one floor plan is included, but it is used merely as a decorative background element: the plan is printed in a pale blue ink and has text superimposed on top of it, so it is not very legible. This matter aside, however, this is a fine volume in an excellent series.

Another one in this delightful series
Although the entire Wright at a Glance Series is wonderful, this book is especially good. It gives good examples of what made Wright's Prairie home distinctive. The photographs are very fine and the text supports them well. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A beautiful book about my favorite house
I really enjoyed FALLINGWATER: A FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT COUNTRY HOUSE. These are stunning photographs of a stunning masterpiece of a house. It's such a tranquil and organic work of architecture.

I am not an architect. Therefore, I didn't pay much attention to the text, but focused on photographs. I especially enjoyed the aerial shots of Fallingwater because it gives some perspective of how isolated this treasure is.

AWESOME!...
Fallingwater, in and of itself, is a name that commands awe and respect. This book epitomizes that notion.

Simply, this is it. This is the be all, end all of texts on this masterpiece by the late F.L.W.

I have been an admirer of F.L.W. since I was in the fifth grade, and had to do a report on earthquakes and buildings. Living in S.F., I guess this was a hot topic. But, in a showing (foreshadowing?) of extremely good taste---if I do say so myself, I chose F.L.W. and the TransAmerica building. For those of you out of the loop, that's the "pyramid" building you see when looking at (virtually every) snapshot(s) of the S.F. skyline. I hadn't yet discovered Fallingwater, but I would eventually be shown the way...

This is such an incredibly beautiful house. Honestly, I could not imagine the blessing of owning that house and living there. This text, however, sets it all out.

EXCELLENT photos, both inside and out....in different seasons as well.

VERY GOOD text and dialogue. Provides a great understanding of the dream, planning, undertaking, and completion of this masterpiece.

This is an incredibly text. I cannot urge you enough to purchase this one. In short, your collection is not complete without it.

Open this book, and dream....

A great book on a Great Building
What first draws one to this book is the wonderful new photographs presented. This is also what I keep going back to see after reading the text. The perspective of many of the downstream shots is not exaggerated as are the older black and white ones taken in the 1930's although when I visited the house I was unable to get the same view or position. They must have been taken with a special camera. I appreciate the helicopter photos as it really shows the site, a deep ravine. The house always seemed to be up on a promontory but is set deep into the forest. The lighting on the interior is a little misleading when the shadows and light direction are altered. These photos overall are the most naturalistic that I have seen and to see all the seasons represented makes me want to goback for the others. It looks as if the insect screens were removed for most of the photos which gave the house a cleaner, more modern appearance than in person. I only wish the breaker pages, the ones with the large green background, were larger although I believe I have seen the winter view on a recent calendar by the same photographer, Heinz, great work on his part. I always wish there were more books like this on great American buildings, especially on the photogenic ones by Wright.

Nice pictures; cute anecdotes; poor analysis; no criticism
I received the book as a gift, then visited Fallingwater, then re-read the book. It's not very good. The pictures are nice, but redundant and not comprehensive. Examples: no pictures of second floor guest room and bath, too many pictures of E.J. Kauffman's "dressing room." Mr. Kauffman, Jr., fondly (and, I would hope, accurately) recollects the brief history, but supplies very little analysis and absolutely no criticism, which is sorely lacking. No book published does justice to the antagonistic surfaces and cave-like interior spaces of the house, nor the terribly confusing bouquet of stairwells springing from the main floor. Nor does the author provide the context supporting the true genius of Wright's three-dimensional composition in the post-cubist age of international style and international turmoil. Lastly, why does the only author who has lived there fail to mention that the house rings with the crashing of the water? It literally sounds like the proverbial "machine for living."

Stunning - blows other Fallingwater books away!
This is a classic coffe table book that will endure for decades. It is chock full of color photographs, drawings, layouts and stories from the owner's son. The author was a pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright, his father commissioned several works from the famous man. The book is not about FLW; it does not discuss his other work, or even his contribution to architecture. Yet, it does tell stories. Stories about the house, the building, the site, the construction, the arguements, the leaks, and the repairs. It is a story of archeciture that is organic - one that is growing; one that grows on you.

This is a category killer of a book. It knocks other Fallingwater books out of the ring. It is large and beautifully photgraphed. It is simply and honestly written. And well it does not tell of FLW, those facts are readily available elsewhere.

This is a treasure of a find. A real keeper. One that you can look at again and again ... Read more

Book Description

Alvaro Siza (1933) studied at the School of Architecture of the University of Oporto.Between 1955 and 1958 he worked in the studio of Fernando Tavora.he embarked on his professional career with the Boa Nova Restaurant (Leca da Palmeira, 1963).In this initial phase, his works combined modern typology with the vernacular tradition.Nonetheless, he constantly returns to clear volumes, like the great white parallellepiped of Avelino Duarte House (Ovar, 1985), which brings together all his earlier experience of housing typologies, including his major intervention in this area Quinta da Malagueira (Evora, 1977).Since the eighties, he has been commissioned to carry out a wide variety of porjects, ranging from the Santiago de Compostela Museum of Contemporary Art (1993) to the School of Education in Setubal (1992). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good book of the architect of the moment!
Some people say Siza is the architect of the white! Probably, if whe can understand that the white colour of his facades is the consequence of his absolutly control of plans and forms. He is a genius! This book is a good way to show almost all works of Siza. For me there is only one book that is better than this one: "Alvaro Siza - the book, from ElCroquis".But anyway, buy this book if you want to understand the genius of Alvaro Siza. ... Read more

Book Description

Von Gerkan, Marg and Partner was founded in 1965 by Meinhard von Gerkan and Volkwin Marg, and has not only become the most successful architectural firm in Germany but also belongs to those offices which are defining the face of contemporary architecture across the globe. Now all seven of their monographs are being published in a softcover, small-format edition which will be presented in a slipcase. The low price will make their works readily accessible to students and will provide a complete overview of the buildings and projects from the years 1966-1999.

Included are all major projects such as the airports at Berlin-Tegel, Algiers, Stuttgart and Hamburg, the new trade fair at Leipzig, the National Museum Seoul, The German School in Beijing, exhibition halls at Hanover and Rimini, the railway station at Berlin-Spandau, the new Dresdner Bank building at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and the Auditoria at the University of Chemnitz. These and many more examples show the diversity and aesthetic quality of the office's architecture which proves to be art with a purpose: a vital part of Germany's architectural history, an expression of contemporary building and a vision for architecture in the years to come. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

small in size, large in wisdom
It is a good book, small but with lots of information. It introduces in a simple form the urban problems of the world and tries to focus in it's solutions. After I read it I showed it to teachers at my school and they now quote it in class.

well designed and with great insight
Unusual and very well thought-out propositions for the architectural/urbanization problems that arise today as society everywhere struggles with increasing overpopulation. EWspecially noteworthy is the inclusion of small town issues, a topic normally overlooked by other architects/scholars who write on urban planning. Some interesting research, and of course the intriguing sketches and drawings I associate with Rogers, Foster, Piano, and all thoes other postindustrial architects. It's a small little book that is great for reading on the plane. Usually something not too common with architecture books.

excellent, innovative interesting ideas
After reading this book, I wanted to pack my bags and head to London to study with Richard Rogers. His observations on the importance of balancing population, resources and the environment is right on. He identifies the need for compact cities, but seeks to reinvent the dense city model to be a cleaner, greener, more integrated place. Rogers pays specific attention to positive social changes that compact cities can make, and he addresses the importance of regionalism to acheiving sustainability goals. Also, he explains how proximity allows for creative reuse of resources and efficient building design. The book is unique; Rogers makes concrete suggestions and offers actual examples of ways to acheive sustainability. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Funtastic book!
If you are one those who don't like boring books, and you like books to show good photografs, this is the book you have to buy about this great architect that ALVAR AALTO was. This book is one of my favourites and believe, i have plenty of book is my room. Amazing book and amazing photografs!

Coffee-table book +
Undoubtedly this is a book of fine photographs and drawings. And for many architects and students that is more than enough. They want to be inspired, and to get a feeling for the material qualities of architecture. They indeed need few words. But Weston's book makes a claim to be more than that. It claims to be a historical monograph. But we get little sense of the strangeness, the Otherness, of Finnish culture. Aalto could more or less be designing anywhere. Reference to Finland is merely stereo-typical "nature". Aalto remains as elusive as ever.

So beautiful as Alvar Aalto's architecture
I love Alvar Aalto's architecture and i think this is book contains so beautiful photografs as his architecture is. Richard Weston on the best.

great book
I would just like to say that this is one of the best architecture books i've seen up to date

Beautiful photographs
Beautiful photographs of Aalto's architecture. I don't think a monograph needs too many words. Weston provides the necessary dates and basic information, but luckilly keeps away from intellectualisations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

To understand Ando works and person...
It is interesing to have one book about Ando, made by Japanese writer... Knowing that Ando can't speak english, it is difficult for foreigner to really get in contact and understand him. It is a real book to understand Andofrom then to know. Speaking about eartquake in Kobe or project from the Row house in Sumiyoshi to the future famous museum of Fort Worth, Matsuba help us to follow the full evolution of Ando in his architecture. ... Read more

Book Description

Antonio Gaudí (1852-1926) is one of the best-known architects of the 20th century. Even today, some 75 years after Gaudí's death, his playful, exuberant buildings continue to influence architects, sculptors, and designers. Perhaps most identified with the dynamic, sculptural facades found on his structures, Gaudí is respected as much for his technological innovations as for his daring style.

In this enlightening, portable volume, a concise, knowledgeable text by the director of the Càtedra Gaudí at the University of Barcelona is brilliantly illustrated with 200 images by a gifted architectural photographer to provide a new perspective on Gaudí's remarkable career. The author traces all the influences that led to the architect's definitive style, from his fascination with the Orient and Neogothicism to his love of naturalism and geometric forms. Here is the full range of his oeuvre from the innovative residences for the Güell family to his unfinished masterpiece, the Church of the Sagrada Familia, which occupied him until his death. This handsome overview of Gaudí's visionary work is ideal for those who delight in his architecture, as well as those who look forward to traveling to Spain to see his monumental legacy. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good set of photos -- could be better
The set of photos is comprehensive, however I felt that the lighting of the exterior photos was too flat to convey the visual impact of the buildings.

I admit that I have not seen the buildings in person, however I felt that Teshigahara's documentary gave me a much better feel for the buildings -- making their noteriety understandable.

Gaudi Triumphantes!
Essentially this is a picture book, but what pictures! The photography has used the extraordinary architecture and added a new dimension to it in vision and lighting. If you would know Gaudi, look at his work: and this is one of the best ways to do it if you cannot readily get to Catalunya. In addition, the production and design of the book, in a relatively small format, has been very carefully thought out, resulting in one of those rare volumes which is delightful to handle and admire in its own right, quite apart from its content. An absolute little gem.

A Beautiful Book!
If Gaudi wanted a book about his works, then he would buy this one. It's absolutely gorgeous! The photography is spectacular and the text is concise and meaningful. It's a definite attention-grabber on any coffee table!

Great book for anybody interested in Gaudi and his works
As a student in architecture I spent some time looking for a good book on the works of Antonio Gaudi. I wasn't happy with any of the subject materials that were out there until I stumbled into this book. The clarity of the pictures are amazing and could make anyone feel as though they were right in front of La Sagrada Familia. This book also includes some of Gaudi's sketches, as well as a few floor plans, elevations, and sections of some of his well known buildings. If you are a fan of Antonio Gaudi then this book would defenitely be a good investment. Even if you're not a student in architecture this book will make you appreciate the creativity of Antonio Gaudi, and his use of symbolism (in La Sagrada Familia)

Impressive survey of an influential, innovative architect.
Juan Bassegoda Nonell's Antonio Gaudi excels in fine photos by Melba Levick as it outlines the unique works of architect Gaudi. Color photos provide full coverage of his innovative buildings and inspirations. ... Read more

Book Description

Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's magnificent mountaintop home in Charlottesville, Virginia, has attracted public attention ever since Jefferson's day, when sightseers regularly visited the grounds in hopes of catching a glimpse of the former president. Today, each year more than half a million people from around the world visit Monticello, the only home in America on the United Nations' list of World Heritage Sites that must be protected at all costs.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a superb collection of essays, adorned with beautiful color photography, that showcases this American treasure. Designed by Jefferson himself, Monticello is a model of elegance and symmetry. It is also home to Jefferson's world-class collection of art and porcelain from France, scientific instruments from England, the finest American furniture from Philadelphia and New York, and enduring furnishings made in Monticello's own joinery by enslaved craftsmen. The celebrated gardens and grounds form an experimental yet breathtakingly lovely landscape featuring flowers, fruits, and vegetables of the Old and New Worlds.

Featuring essays by Monticello's scholarly staff, this stunning book explores all aspects of Jefferson's home. A section on the plantation and the enslaved community at Monticello provides a larger context in which to place and understand the house, its activities, and its owner. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful guide to America's most interesting house
One of the clichés about Monticello is that few houses do so good a job revealing the personality of its builder. But clichés get to be such generally because there's truth to them, and that's definitely the case here. If Thomas Jefferson was one of the most interesting figures in American history (and I think that's unquestionably true), then Monticello may well be one of America's most interesting houses. And for this colorful book produced by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, we are guided through the house and grounds by people who know their stuff.

Specifically, the chapters of this title are written by Monticello's director of restoration, the curator, the director of gardens and grounds, and other experts associated with the Foundation. Large, colorful photos are accompanied by informed commentary and all the requisite history, as well as documentation of the decades of restoration work it has taken to get the house and grounds to its current condition. A book doesn't make up for a visit in person -- if anything, I wished for more photos of the interior, especially of the book room and "cabinet." But for a general overview of the house, grounds, and collection, and an insight into the man himself, this book is hard to beat. I recommend it as a souvenir, as well as a nice companion to a Jefferson biography. ... Read more

Book Description

When the visionary American architectural team of Diller + Scofidiowon a commission for Swiss EXPO 2002, they reinvented the tradition of creatingspectacular buildings for World's Fairs by creating an empty one—an ephemerallybeautiful yet eerily vacant pavilion. Consisting of a mist formed by 30,000 fog nozzlesmounted on an immense structure of steel cables, the Blur Building appears to floatabove a Swiss lake. It's a fabricated cloud, complete witha water bar.

The book of Blur captures the experience of passing through this vaporous maze.More than 240 pages, including four double gatefolds, document every aspect of theproject, from the first conceptual sketches to the computer-programmed "braincoats" tobe worn by the estimated10 million visitors to construction documents and news clippings. Even the transparentplastic cover and shadowy title typography convey the transitory essence of Diller +Scofidio's thought-provoking work. This unique book will be the permanentmanifestation of the building, which will be dismantled after the Expo closes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Visually awsome
This book was designed extreamly well. The book consists of emails, faxes, photos, sketches, CAD, essays, and much more in a scrap book fasion. The whole thing is talking about this project for the Expo, but that isn't what is interesting about it. The design of the book allows you to page through and look at the pictures, read snippits of emails or faxes, and shows you their process of concept and design. If you were to ignore the fact that it is all talking about this one project you can use it to inspire new ideas for your own use. This is one hell of a book. The copy i go was a slightly different version but the inards are essentially the same.

the good against the bad
diller & scofidio are the best. and everyone has to know it. so read the book and support them on their fight against the rest of the bad, bad world. you can manipulate every fact that it fits your purpose, but sometimes it's too transparent for mature people, probably this book would work as a fairytale for children. ... Read more