Chicago has long captured global imagination as a place of tall, shining buildings rising from the fog, the playground for many great architects – from Mies van der Rohe to Frank Lloyd Wright – and a surprising epicentre for modern construction and building techniques. Chicagoisms brings together contributions by a diverse pool of curators, artists, architects, historians, critics, and theorists, forming a multifarious portrait of the “Second City”. The essays cover a vast range of topics, from Chicago’s relationship to contemporary global trends to tracking the boom-and-bust cycle of the city’s commitment to architecture. They look back at the Chicago’s architectural history and connect it to the “digital project”. Studied is also the impact of Chicago’s architecture and grid system on immigrants, such as Mies van der Rohe, and how they again influenced the next generation of architects. In addition, historical events that linked the city to the emerging discourse of global modernism and phenomena like the introduction of Chicago’s park designs to Europe are explored. Complementing the essays, the book presents some twenty iconic projects that demonstrate Chicago’s power as an instigator of ideas.

Over the course of three years, the Institute of Architecture and Planning at the University of Liechtenstein, the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow, and the Academie van Bouwkunst, Amsterdam, cooperated on an international research project dedicated to the design of façades. Crafting the Façade presents the results of this productive co-operative study, which cut across disciplines to look at historical developments in the design and building of façades, the theoretical underpinnings that can explain these developments, the common materials and their main characteristics, and the techniques used in assembly. The project also prompted a great deal of innovative design work, including detailed drawings at a scale of 1:10 and the design and construction of life-size prototypes in stone, brick, and wood – all of which are reproduced here among the book’s two hundred illustrations. Through their leadership roles with the project, editors Urs Meister, Carmen Rist-Stadelmann, and Machiel Spaan also reflect in Crafting the Façade on the learning processes that emerged from the project and offer guidance and resources for others looking to delve into this topic in depth.

In this exceptional book on the London based studio 6a architects, architecture critic Irénée Scalbert looks at the role of narrative, history, appropriation and craft in the work of Tom Emerson and Stephanie Macdonald. The book traces an architectural approach avoiding style, signature, theory and even concept in favor of metis, an ancient form of intelligence combining “flair, wisdom, forethought, subtlety of mind, deception, resourcefulness, vigilance, opportunism, varied skills, and experience.” Structured around notions of situation, intervention, making, comedy, bricolage, chance and anthropology, the text is mirrored in a visual essay of archive photographs, artworks, film stills and recent projects by the practice. 6a architects were founded in London in 2001. The practice has developed a reputation for award winning contemporary art galleries, educational and residential projects in sensitive historic environments. Recent projects include the critically acclaimed extension to the South London Gallery (New London Architecture Award 2011 and Civic Trust Award Commendation 2012), Raven Row, contemporary art gallery in Spitalfields, east London (RIBA Award 2010) and the new Fashion Galleries at the V&A opened in May 2012 (nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2013). 6a architects won the Schelling Medal for architecture 2012.

During his reign, King Charles I (1600-1649) assembled one of Europe’s most extraordinary art collections. Indeed, by the time of his death, it contained some 2,000 paintings and sculptures. Charles I: King and Collector explores the origins of the collection, the way it was assembled and what it came to represent. Authoritative essays provide a revealing historical context for the formation of the King’s taste. They analyse key areas of the collection, such as the Italian Renaissance, and how the paintings that Charles collected influenced the contemporary artists he commissioned. Following Charles’s execution, his collection was sold. This book, edited by the curators of a spectacular exhibition at the Royal Academy, reunites its most important works in sumptuous detail. Featuring paintings by such masters as Van Dyck, Rubens and Raphael, this striking publication offers a unique insight into this fabled collection.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) is among the most distinguished 20th-century African-American painters. He is widely known for his modernist illustrations of everyday life as well as epic narratives of African American history and historical figures. The new book Jacob Lawrence: Lines of Influence explores his life, work, and legacy not only as an acclaimed artist but also as a storyteller, educator, and chronicler of the mid-20th-century African American experience. The book’s first part, ‘Relations’, traces some of the engagements that shaped Lawrence’s personal and professional life. It presents his work in dialogue with that of his contemporaries, mentors, and historically significant artists, such as Josef Albers, Richmond Barthé, Romare Bearden, José Clemente Orozco, George Grosz, Marsden Hartley, Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence, Horace Pippin and Augusta Savage. Its second part, ‘Legacy’, explores Lawrence’s influence on contemporary artists living and working today and those who share similar formal and conceptual concerns.

Established by the Association for the International Diffusion of French Art (ADIAF) and organised in partnership with the Centre Pompidou, this is one of the most prestigious contemporary art prizes in the world. This year’s edition offers an insight into the art scene in France, with the opportunity to discover the unique creations of Mohamed Bourouissa, Clément Cogitore, Thu-Van Tran and Marie Voignier. The exhibition is a reflection of common concerns: rewriting the narrative in the midst of media saturation and applying new conditions to memory experiences.

Text in English and French.

German top florist Annette Camping became Champion of Germany in 1994 and winner of the Golden Rose in the same year. One year later she became Vice-Champion of Europe. In 2001 she opened her own floral school Blumenwerk, a school for florists, designer and flower lovers in general. This monograph introduces a colourful and enthusiastic person. In her interaction with flowers, Annette wants to bring her compositions to life, full of character. An inner feeling, an impulse, an experience… they are all expressed in an harmonious coexistence of colours and shapes. Annette manages to bring across her love of flowers to the reader and will certainly bring a smile to your face. The publication is a discovery journey behind the scenes of a floral composition. The creativity of her compositions is beautifully captured in the many close-ups by photographer Bart Van Leuven. Also available:
Nicole von Boletzky: Master Florist ISBN 9789058560797 Stein Are Hansen: The World of Botanics ISBN 9789058560957 Per Benjamin: Elements ISBN 9789058561329

After the successful Emotions, Wedding Emotions and Christmas Emotions, Life3’s florists Per Benjamin, Tomas De Bruyne and Max van de Sluis will surprise the floral world with a fourth book in this series: Passionate Emotions. No better tools to translate the whole spectrum of life’s passions and pleasures than flowers, with their stunning diversity, colours and shapes. This beautiful album explores feelings of affection, love, tenderness, passion and romance. All these lovely emotions – sometimes dramatic, sometimes light-hearted – result in vibrant and colourful floral designs. Combined with Life3’s special flair to create moods and atmospheres by using stunning and suiting backdrops to their compositions, this makes up for a book that is a true work of art and will undoubtedly stir anyone’s passion and imagination. Also Available: Plant Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563521 Arrangements ISBN: 9789058562791 Bouquets ISBN: 9789058561886 Christmas Emotions ISBN: 9789058562401 Christmas ISBN: 9789058562074 Interior Decoration ISBN: 9789058561893 Sympathy ISBN: 9789058562548 Table Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563231 Wedding Emotions ISBN: 9789058561756 Wedding Flowers ISBN: 9789058563095 Life3: Ten Years of Inspiration ISBN: 9789058564139

How much longer do you want to put it off? How long can you manage your organisation, your team or your life without making some fundamental change? Above all, how long can you avoid being overtaken by others because you stick to your method and your comfort zone? Our society is changing and crying out for a new model. We are living in a digital age where everyone and everything is connected, where competition no longer comes from the sector, and customers, users and citizens are in the driver’s seat. Data are gold and sharing is the new having. The digital age requires a new approach and a new model. This book beckons you to dare – dare to help build a different business world, with a balance between short and long term results, but just as much to help build a different society through personal choices, a society that is ready for the next generation.

At the highest level, athletes (both men and women), do everything to peak at the right moment and go the extra mile to reach their top form. But this kind of intensity is not always possible in a job or in daily life, and it is not always healthy to go the extra mile. Egopreneur
helps you to assess your strengths in order to find more balance and resilience in your work and private life. This book is by a well-known sports and business coach, whose insights will help to maximise functionality and balance in this complex world.

How can you stay relevant for your customers? The answer is a combination of the following three factors: technology, personal involvement and social commitment. The past ten years have been marked by the arrival of 4G, mobile services, and robotics. These technologies have brought about a revolution in the field of customer experience and in the future, this will evolve even further. As a company, you will have to take a more active part in the personal life journey of your customers. This opens up the opportunity to tackle, together with your customer, concrete social world problems, including climate change, mobility, and health care. Customers increasingly seek out companies that do good for both themselves, and the world.

In With Reference, Soo Chan of SCDA explores the fundamentals of architecture – going back to inspirations and precedents, examining basic building blocks and core values – in search of a universal spatial vocabulary for contemporary practice.

As practice becomes increasingly globalised and fragmented, the applied design language has to absorb nuances of climate, craft, culture, and place. Through a rich diagrammatic analysis of seminal projects by SCDA as well as masters of architecture around the world, With Reference argues for the revival of a rule-based design language.

“Anyone who always wanted to know about the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood, it can all be found here thanks to high-quality images from photographer Mariona Vilarós, who has captured every production step in detail.” — Octane
Step inside a world of engineering excellence with this collection, dedicated to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The authors were granted unique access by the Rolls-Royce company. Detailed descriptions of the manufacturing process are set against a backdrop of heritage and prestige,including an exclusive showcase of the company’s manufacturing facility and a splendid gallery of Rolls-Royce cars dating back to sketches of work from the1930s. This collection includes numerous unseen photos of Sir Henry Royce driving early versions of his iconic cars.

A true behind-the-scenes experience, this book introduces the reader to the Rolls-Royce master craftsmen at work.High-quality images and detailed insights reveal the process by which each caris constructed, from the 2019 Ghost Zenith back in time to the 1904 Original.Rolls-Royce opens their archive to reveal a spectacular timeline of design, providing readers with an insight into the world of those who still uphold the words of Sir Henry Royce: “Strive for perfection in everything you do”.

The contents list guides the reader through the complete construction of a car: Design and Customisation, Paint and Finish,Chassis Assembly, Woodwork, Leather, Testing, The Spirit of Ecstasy Hood Ornament, and more. With a glimpse at the Rolls- Royce Training Academy and a plethora of featured cars from last year to the start of the last century, this is the ultimate Rolls-Royce collectors’ volume. Featured cars include the new Ghost (2020), the Phantom Tranquility (2019), Phantom Aviator Coupe (2012), the Phantom II Continental (1934), the AX201 Silver Ghost (1907), and many more.

This book takes a critical look at the influence of German educators. It is a publication that explores the history of pedagogical concepts of German-born professors of architecture at schools in the United States. The research and book publication are structured in three parts; it aims to make a significant contribution to the understanding of architectural education in the United States and its historical cross-fertilisation with German educational concepts at large, with research outcomes responding directly to current and future educational and societal challenges.

The ideals of the Bauhaus school shaped more than just design and architecture around the world; these guiding principles and pedagogy also transformed teaching. The project examines the post-Bauhaus influence on these German-born educators today and how the Bauhaus model has evolved over the last 50 years. There are currently over 30 German-born educators, active in shaping architectural and design education in the US, influencing thousands of students as the next generation of future architects in this country. Compared to other professions, succeeding in studies of architecture is known as a long endeavor that requires a strong commitment and dedication from the student. The task for the educators is to shape the next generation of architects as well as possible and, at the same time, turn it into a positive experience and fun to be part of this demanding profession. The book features interviews (conversations) with selected professors and explores how the Bauhaus legacy of Gropius and Mies van der Rohe is still relevant for their educational strategies and design teaching today.

The Bauhaus aimed to unite all creative arts through direct field and workshop experience in the crafts with a concentration on modern materials, industrial techniques and mass production. It was initially a school of design which included architecture, and not a school of architecture per se. Gropius resigned in 1928, and it was largely under the directorship of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe from 1930 to 1933 that the Bauhaus developed into a school of architecture with subsidiary art and workshop departments.

The pedagogical experiments of the Bauhaus, imported by Gropius, Mies, Hilberseimer, Albers and others to the US system, challenged traditional Beaux-Arts thinking and played a crucial role in shaping modern architectural education. Historically, the German architectural training has always been different from the French tradition. These new interdisciplinary and technology-focused modes of teaching architecture and design had long-lasting impact, however, are now again transformed by the educators currently active in reshaping curricula. The conversations reveal the critical and independent thinking of this group and how they make a meaningful contribution to the discourse of architectural education appropriate to the 21st century.

Authored by an internationally recognised scholar with personal insight into the topic, the six selected educators profiled in this volume render visible a broad array of discursive pedagogical strategies that partially build on the seminal educational model of the Bauhaus; they have transformed it to a new contemporary pedagogical model. The study provides insight into the ways in which these German-trained educators influence architectural and design education in the United States to this day.

Almost, Not: The Architecture of Atelier Nishikata is the story of a remarkable architecture practice in Tokyo. Partners Reiko Nishio and Hirohito Ono have built just four residential works, until now remaining little-known outside of Japan. But the extraordinary, almost-ordinary quality of their work warrants the spotlight. It has much to teach students of architecture and experienced architects alike.

This book is a hybrid between an architectural monograph and a magic instruction book. Author Leslie Van Duzer, a former magician’s assistant and author of four monographs on 20th-century architecture, draws parallels between the effects and methods of architects and magicians.

The introductory essay, “Almost, Not,” presents an overview of Atelier Nishikata’s approach, describing the effects engendered by their architecture and the methods behind the them. The essay is followed by four detailed project descriptions that elaborate on the strategies behind the work. These texts are richly illustrated with process work, diagrams, detailed drawings, and photographs, including before and after views of the renovated spaces, and views post-inhabitation. The volume closes with a lengthy interview with the architects to help flesh out the methods behind their madness.

Myriam Holme (*1971) walks a fine line between painting and sculpture. Her concept of painting is based on the experimental and processual, with both being observed from the material perspective. Her painting can be thought of as expansive and incomplete; it does not settle into what already exists but remains in constant motion. Holme has already received numerous awards for her work, and her pieces are on display in national and international museums and exhibition spaces. The monograph Myriam Holme, 2010–2020 features works from the past decade along with essays by Christiane Schürkmann and Jörg van den Berg.

Text in English and German.

In recent years, there has been a real revival and appraisal of the works of the mid-century modern movement among architects and interior designers: the furniture, lighting and objects designed by Alvar Aalto, Charles & Ray Eames, Eileen Gray, Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Pierre Jeanneret, Finn Juhl, Vladimir Kagan, Poul Kjaerholm, Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Børge Mogensen, Serge Mouille, George Nakashima, George Nelson, Verner Panton, Ico Parisi, Charlotte Perriand, Gio Ponti, Jean Prouvé, Sergio Rodrigues, Jean Royère, Eero Saarinen, Arne Vodder, Jules Wabbes, Ole Wanscher, Hans J. Wegner, Jorge Zalszupin and many others is integrated in their most exclusive projects and their best pieces are sold at record prices at Christies, Philipps, Sotheby’s…

In the U.S., the mid-century modern movement in interiors, product and graphic design and architecture was a reflection of the International and Bauhaus movements including the works of Gropius, Florence Knoll, Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Brazilian and Scandinavian architects were very influential, with a style characterised by clean simplicity and integration with nature.

In Europe, the influence of Le Corbusier and the CIAM resulted in an architectural orthodoxy manifest across most parts of post-war Europe that was ultimately challenged by the radical agendas of the architectural wings of the avant-garde. A critical but sympathetic reappraisal of the internationalist oeuvre, inspired by the Scandinavian Moderns and the late work of Le Corbusier himself, was reinterpreted by groups such as Team X, including structuralist architects and the movement known as New Brutalism. 

This chic, over-sized coffee table book is an essential object for all mid-century design aficionados, interior designers with a passion for the modernist 1950s and for refined readers seeking inspiration for their own interiors.

In 20 reports, interior designers and passionate collectors of mid-century furniture, lighting, objects and artworks show how carefully selected touches of high-end mid-century modernism can contribute to a unique living environment.

Everyone Can Lead addresses the essential question of leadership: how do you bring out the best in yourself and in others? Starting from the premise that a better understanding of how to lead begins with a better understanding of ourselves, the author encourages reflection and helps frame the choices and actions that will lead to better working relationships, better results, and more happiness at work. This no-nonsense, practical book is filled with examples and exercises that everyone from individual employees to CEOs can use immediately. HR managers and general management can work with these concepts and strategies to optimise the potential in their organisation by focusing on personal leadership.

“Boelsums’ interplay of sky and light and land, her overwhelming and yet intimate photos add a magnificent touch to what might initially appear nondescript.”– Manon Uphoff

Quotes from the jury who selected Saskia Boelsums as the Dutch Artist of the Year in 2020:

“Vivid photography worthy of the old Dutch masters!”

“Exceptionally beautiful landscape photos: Saskia introduces a completely new style to this discipline.”

“Her work moves me and repeatedly renders me speechless.”

“Then I see Saskia Boelsums’ landscape photos on display. A shiver of pleasure runs through me.” Joyce Roodnat – NRC Handelsblad

Saskia Boelsums dramatic photographs of Dutch landscapes reflect on the atmospheric paintings of the Golden Age painters such as Jacob van Ruisdael and Jan van Goyen, but her work is clearly seeped in her own experience of nature. Lashing rain over the sea, sun breaking through storm clouds, and fields of flowers bathed in an otherworldly light: these images are the result of hours and days of waiting to capture the perfect moment. In this, her second book of landscape photographs, she presents not only Dutch landscapes and seascapes, but also landscapes photographed on visits to Germany, Switzerland, and New York. 

Cohabitation Strategies: Challenging Neoliberal Urbanization Between Crisis presents 12 years of urban theories, projects, and interventions developed by Cohabitation Strategies, a Rotterdam- and New York City-based non-profit cooperative committed to radical socio-spatial research, design, and development.

Centering on the development of new action-research methodologies, neighbourhood-based initiatives, and the facilitation of community-driven transformative interventions, the book offers critical insights and progressive visions on the dramatic impact that neoliberal spatial-restructuring had in communities of colour and low-income neighbourhoods in the Netherlands, Italy, France, Canada, and the United States.

The book proposes new transdisciplinary methodologies, practices, tools, and strategies to challenge for-profit-driven urban development and the advancement of the right to the city.

From Art Nouveau to today’s creations, via post‐war functionalism, this exhibition explores, among other things, the work of designers and the production of Belgian companies and publishing houses. Among these designers and producers are: Gustave Serrurier‐Bovy, Huib Hoste, Jacques Dupuis, Willy Van Der Meeren, Jules Wabbes, Maarten Van Severen, Meurop, Alain Gilles, Christophe Gevers.

Text in English, French and Dutch.

The VW Bus is not just a car. It is sentimental, a part of the family. A way of life on wheels. That’s why most of them have names. And almost everyone has some sort of connection to the VW Bus. This book offers fascinating stories about one of the most popular automobiles of all time and the most successful camper van in the world – a kaleidoscope from the world of VW Buses. In 111 chapters, you will learn interesting, funny, surprising and emotional things about a vehicle that was originally intended as a simple delivery van and then made history as a multifunctional vehicle concept.

Author Christian Schlueter, himself a passionate fan of the car, tells endearing, detailed and exciting stories about these legendary vans. He presents models with their production history and special features, introduces visionaries and gives an insight into the car industry. He reports on world records and adventure trips, as well as freedom and nostalgia. A wonderful compendium with photos about the world’s fascination with the VW Bus – a must for every fan and lover of this cult car.

At the end of 2020, the concrete factory in Ghent, popularly called ‘the Betoncentrale’, was demolished. With this book, Cultuur Gent, the cultural department of the City of Ghent, aims to keep the memory of this graffiti paradise alive. A team of experts selected the 10 most important street artists who were active onsite: ROA, Klaas van der Linden, and Bue the Warrior, among others. This book showcases the most beautiful work that adorned the walls of the factory. Street art expert Tristan Manco frames the local scene in its international context and Giulia Riva, a street art blogger, spoke to the artists about their memories of that unique place.

Text in English and Dutch.