Zaha Hadid’s gift to the world was a creative genius that captured the collective imagination and influenced designers to challenge the perceived limits that were once imposed by both aesthetics and engineering. Her sudden death in 2016 shocked the global architecture community and the public alike, inspiring a commitment to maintain her passion to create built spaces and works that are as unique as they are endearing to a fascinated global following. Zaha Hadid Architects maintains its commitment to her ideals of fluidity, innovation, originality and organic progression. This practice is driven by the development of rigorous interfaces between natural topographies, human-made systems and innovative technologies that have resulted in almost 1000 landmark projects across the globe. With signature sophistication in the design, and superbly creative structures, Zaha Hadid led her firm to create transformative, cultural, corporate and residential spaces that entered into complete synchronicity with their surrounding environment. Inspired by the shared ideas and prominent for its breadth of practice, and beautifully packaged with detailed drawings, rich photography and insightful commentary, this exquisite book showcases and celebrates the intelligent design approach of the firm under the direction of one of the world’s most extraordinary and iconic leaders in the fields of architecture, design and urbanism.

Robert Konieczny, founder and principal of KWK Promes, in Poland, specializes in projects renowned for ingenious concepts and unique design. His works examine closely the nature and interpretations of spatial journeys for the viewer or those who inhabit the space, be it for residential works, public buildings, or international cultural festivals and exhibitions, such as the Venice Biennale. The firm’s work especially with kinetic architecture fuses seamless design principles with inventive concepts, namely movable structures that both catch light and create a uniquely experiential environment. A leader in industry innovation, Konieczny and KWK Promes was awarded the World Architecture Festival Award for the best building in 2016.

“Our designs are shaped by logic. Inside these pages we showcase a unique and detailed précis that narrates the story of the concepts behind our buildings.” — Robert Konieczny
“The ideas expressed by Robert Konieczny are quite radical and surprising—his forms are unexpected, and often closed or heavy at first sight. Though the Polish context, in terms of climate, history, and sociology may imply such solutions, KWK has laid out a series of concepts that could readily be applied to other places, surely generating other types of buildings. This is not a style so much as it is an intellectual construct.” — Philip Jodidio

In this invaluable and thought-provoking book, Vladimir Belogolovsky reflects on nearly 20 years of conversations with leading creatives from around the world whose focus is on art, photography, architecture, design, critical theory, and more. His intimate dialogues are with prolific visionaries, the likes of Paul Andreu, Aaron Betsky, Tatiana Bilbao, Christo, Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, Toyo Ito, Glenn Murcutt, Renzo Piano, Moshe Safdie, Ric Scofido, Richard Serra, Frank Stella, Michael Sorkin, Stanley Tigerman, Bernard Tschumi, Lin Utzon, Massimo Vignelli, Madelon Vriesendorp, and so many others. He exposes the complexity of their thought processes, while comparing and contrasting them to one another to distill more than 101 ideas. His engaging narrative captures the stories behind every project and every personality while exploring many important questions, including what makes a building architecture? How would a Futurist solve problems vs those whose focus is on nostalgia? The selection of interviews gathers many answers and intentions, but inevitably, also many more questions.

Imagine Buildings Floating Like Clouds represents a diverse group of multitalented, creative people who work in disparate places culturally and climatically and came of age in very different times—from the revolutionary 1960s to our own time, when the future, for many, is being more feared than desired.

“…a delectable tour of 46 clubs that span 300 years of architecture and design.” — Airmail

“… a lavishly illustrated and wittily written study of one of the capital’s most distinctive – and most secretive – institutions.” — House & Garden UK

“Jones treats them not really as clubs, but as examples of interior decoration, which he writes about interestingly and with an observant eye.” — Charles Saumarez Smith

“From the concealed bookcase door in the library of The Travellers Club in St James’s to the taxidermy fish and walls lined with rods in Mayfair’s Flyfishers’ Club, it serves as an unofficial guide to the city’s strangest and most elegant private dining and drinking venues.”— FT

“…wonderful book on the architecture and interiors of London’s private members’ spaces.”— The Rake

London has more members’ clubs than any other city. There are clubs for everyone: from actors, plutocrats, aristocrats and bishops to sailors, soldiers, fishermen and spies, as well as journalists, jockeys, architects and æsthetes.
Andrew Jones opens the door to 46 of the most beautiful, interesting and unusual of these clubs, presenting 300 years of architecture and design. The London Club features the oldest clubs in London as well as the most recent, with perfectly preserved interiors, original furniture and extraordinary
collections. From bohemian to bling, shabby to chic, classical and brutal, this is a celebration of variety and beauty, with newly commissioned photographs by Laura Hodgson.
“From the grandest to the simplest taking in the quirkiest en route, this book is an irresistible journey through London’s clubland.” – From the Foreword by Nina Campbell OBE

a+u’s May issue features the work of Sancho-Madridejos Architecture Office (S-MAO). Based in Madrid, Spain and established in 1982 by Juan Carlos Sancho and Sol Madridejos, the office has developed a nuanced and committed practice rooted in investigations in plastic arts and aesthetic theory. An essay by their close friends, Antón García-Abril and Débora Mesa, reveals the deeper origins to S-MAO’s approach and describes how their trials and investigations have yielded “new processes in engineering, new construction systems, and a new language.” An ensemble of 20 projects, framed according to two investigative themes, are featured in this monograph, supported by axonometric diagrams and concept models. The multiple views of early study models convey the obsessive search for an “original space,” as described by García-Abril and Mesa, where structure, envelope, and shape come together.

Text in English and Japanese.

The second volume of the Laboratorium series takes a stance in the widespread discussion on research and the creative process of archi-tecture. Examples are used to show how individual insight can be applied to the design process, thereby making it communicable. Also available in the series: Climate as a Design Factor ISBN 9783037610732 Spatial Thinking ISBN 9783037610558

Alvisi Kirimoto is an international architecture, urban planning and design studio. Founded by Massimo Alvisi and Junko Kirimoto in 2002, it is distinguished by its sartorial approach to design, its “sensitive” use of technology and its control of space through the manipulation of paper. Their dialogue with nature, urban regeneration and focus on social issues make their projects unique in the international architecture scene.

Text in English and Italian

I.M. Pei, one of the giants of modern architecture, is featured in the first of a new series that will deliver a new perspective on 20th-century architecture through interviews in which prominent architects look back on their careers.

He talks with Fumihiko Maki about memorable people and projects from a career that has spanned more than half a century. Included are descriptions of his encounters with Walter Gropius and Alvar Aalto, which convey the high esteem he held of these eminent architects as teachers and friends. Tracing his career in 3 parts, a chronological list of his works from 1950-2008 is also included.

Evident throughout is Pei’s warmly human approach to architecture, which transcends the framework of academic or professional relationships and values above all the satisfaction of working with valued associates toward common goals.

Text in English and Japanese.

The Classicist is an annual journal dedicated to the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts. Focused on the state of Texas, the Classicist No. 19 explores the state’s rich architectural history as well as contemporary examples of classical design through professional and student portfolios as well as academic articles authored by leaders within the field. Contributors include architectural historian Stephen Fox; Anna Nau of Ford, Powell & Carson Architects; Tara Dudley of the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture; Kenneth Hafertepe of Baylor University; and architectural author James Wright Steely; alongside submissions to the professional and academic portfolio. 

To feature house designs through the decades, The Japanese House: Architecture and Life after 1945 includes 75 houses by over 50 architects. The projects are divided into 13 themes such as Earthy Concrete, Play, and Unmarketable and presented using models, drawings, and photographs. The Japanese have experienced drastic social and environmental changes related to the WW II recovery period leading to rapid economic growth, pollution, the bubble economy and collapse, and natural disasters. Commissioned by individual homeowners, Japanese architects have responded to these changes by developing ideas for new ways of living, expressed through the architecture of the house. A distinguishing feature of Japan is the large proportion of young people owning land and engaging architects. These clients have generally studied residential designs closely before approaching the architect, therefore the resulting new homes tend to be on the experimental side. Text in English and Japanese.

The Academy celebrates the architect John Simpson’s newly finished building for the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana: the Walsh Family Hall. The language of John Simpson’s architecture, which derives from the fifth century BC, has been daringly applied to new uses and an instant landmark of exceptional interest has been created. Through a judicious combination of Classical richness and warehouse-like workspace the Walsh Family Hall provides a humane and joyous series of spaces, which elevates the spirits of those entering and passing through it. This book describes not only the architecture of the Walsh Family Hall but the process whereby it came into existence, with written contributions from the generous donors, Matt and Joyce Walsh; Dean Michael Lykoudis, who commissioned the building; and some of the students who work in these uplifting surroundings. Further educational works by John Simpson such as his new ‘yard’ for Eton College and major new additions and improvements to the Royal College of Music in London are described, with an essay by Simpson explaining his approach. All these works are presented and explored with full color commissioned photography, drawn plans and original sketches throughout. John Simpson Architects believes that Classicism can enhance life in the 21st century by creating inspirational spaces that relate to the proportions of the human body – a view of architecture that is triumphantly demonstrated in the Academy that is the Walsh Family Hall.

Dallas & the New Tradition explores Dallas’s unique architectural history and celebrates Larry E. Boerder’s vision of restoring the city’s great revival past in a manner fit for the twenty-first century.
Larry E. Boerder Architects specializes in designing and building homes in the prestigious suburbs of Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hollow, nestled in Dallas. With a modern revivalist approach, their work honors the architectural traditions established in these communities in the early twentieth century.
Delve into the origins of some of America’s most beautiful and idyllic suburbs and how this setting inspired Boerder to create homes that are elegant, refined, and above all, harmonious to their surroundings. Come behind the scenes to tour some of his greatest properties located in Texas and farther afield, which stand as an enduring testament to the talent of Boerder and his team, as well as their dedication to preserving and taking forward the New Tradition.

China Construction Design International (CCDI) is one of Asia’s premier architectural firms. It was ranked as the number one private architectural firm in China in 2004. In 2005 it became the first firm from China to receive an award from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT). Among CCDI’s completed projects are office towers, sports arenas, residential complexes and cultural centres, as well as many large-scale planning projects. All projects are based on the firm’s core principles of integrated design, which focus on utilising the resources of a city, technology, environment, and local public culture in order to design building solutions to meet the manifold needs of society.

Resilient Horizons: The Future of Landscape Architecture by ArquitectonicaGEO explores the transformative role of sustainable, resilient, and contemporary landscaped environments. These outdoor spaces, ranging from urban green spaces to large-scale ecosystem restorations, enhance the human experience and community well-being and combat the pressing challenges of climate change.

This insightful monograph showcases ten pioneering projects by the Miami-based firm that blend innovative design, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The featured projects include the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Port of Miami Tunnel, Lakeside Village at the University of Miami, and Brickell City Centre, among others. Full-color photography, site plans, and detailed narratives highlight the innovative approaches that ArquitectonicaGEO uses to address climate change and promote biodiversity, and how human-centric design provides enriching outdoor spaces
Resilient Horizons affirms ArquitectonicaGEO’s commitment to sustainability, resilience, and human-centric design, and demonstrates how thoughtful landscape architecture can transform not just spaces, but entire communities. 

Text in English and Spanish.

Coastal Villas: Luxury Living on the Gulf Coast showcases 13 stunning villas designed by Geoff Chick & Associates in the timber-framed vernacular style of Florida’s 19th- and 20th-century architecture. From minimalist retreats poised on the edge of the surf to sprawling family homes nestled among pine forests, these houses reflect respect for the land and water that surround them. They draw inspiration from the Gulf Coast vernacular—the inviting porches, tall ceilings, and raised pier footings—while updating these elements for a contemporary audience.

This monograph of Geoff Chick & Associates is a celebration of architectural innovation tailored to the Gulf Coast’s complex interplay of relentless sun, occasional hurricanes, and delicate ecosystems. These homes transform natural challenges into opportunities for creative expression, integrating gracefully with their surroundings, encapsulating the idea of design and nature as complementary.

French-Brazilian Elizabeth de Portzamparc designs buildings that serve as architectural symbols and powerful urban landmarks, which skillfully structure and inhabit the places where they are built. With characteristic innovation and through her dual sociological and architectural approach, Elizabeth de Portzamparc combines the requirements of the social, urban, and ecological scope with construction of optimal forms, a coherent approach that is legible on every scale of her work. This monograph is a collector’s volume within IMAGES’ renowned Leading Architects series, and showcases the extraordinary award-winning designs of this brilliant Paris-based architect. Lavish full-color photography and intricate, detailed drawings help to illuminate her process and international achievements across a wide range, including architecture, interiors and urban planning projects, as well as design objects, museography, and scenographic works.

In the 21st century the architects and designers of urban spaces face great challenges to integrate nature in order to transform ‘cement forests’ into ‘forest cities’. Perhaps the best solution is to go green with vertical landscapes. More than just a decorative trend, this is a means of bringing life and greenery into metropolitan areas by using different framing systems to create compositions of plant life and adapt them to diverse settings, including offices, factories, parking lots, hotels, and installations within larger parks. Enriched by the reflections of the inventive protagonists of this fertile new aesthetic, Going Green with Vertical Landscapes is organized by theme and canvases early experiments conducted by famous design companies such as Vo Trong Nghia Architects (VTN), Fytogreen Australia and RYUICHI ASHIZAWA ARCHITECTS & associates. All of these projects combine man-made materials, recent technologies, and diverse types of vegetation to conquer the vertical dimension.

There’s something especially beautiful about being able to look to the full expanse of a horizon, something that speaks to the most ancient part of our soul. With the continuing build up of our surroundings, that precious ability to gaze into the unfettered distance is one we all appreciate and savor.

This stunning edition showcases incredible houses in simply amazing locations, where the architect has rightly championed the accessibility to the endless views. Lavishly illustrated with full-color images of award-winning architecture, this compilation draws you in through its winning designs, but its the glorious and enticing images of the vast horizon that will capture your imagination.

We may all not be lucky enough to inhabit an eye-catching designer home with views to die for, but at least we can all share the beauty through these breathtakingly evocative images. Truly a book in which to lose yourself.

Sir Edwin Lutyens is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest architects. In a career of over 50 years, spanning the Victorian, Edwardian and modern eras of architecture, Lutyens was prolific. His work ranged from great country houses, city commercial office buildings, his famous World War I memorials across Europe and Britain, and his magnum opus designs for New Delhi built during the 1920s and 1930s. Despite such diversity of building types across his long career, Lutyens’s most celebrated works remain his country houses, which first established his reputation during the 1890s. As Lutyens’s practice flourished his work became widely promoted in publications such as Country Life magazine, and his houses, particularly those designed in the vernacular manner, would subsequently give rise to an entire genre of the English country house that became known, as it is to this day, as a ‘Lutyens-style’ house. Sir Edwin Lutyens: The Arts and Crafts Houses brings together in new, wide-format, full-colour photography a definitive collection of 45 of Lutyens’s great Arts and Crafts houses, in which he ingeniously blended the style of the Arts and Crafts movement with his own inventive interpretation of the Classical language of architecture. The book features 575 all-new current photographs of the houses, inside and outside, together with a selection of floor plans of the houses, and a fresh interpretation of Lutyens’s enduring architectural genius.

Food is more than just nutrition – it is culture, identity and history. The new Nordic cuisine movement has challenged our ideas about Nordic food culture and forged a new understanding of what it means to eat in harmony with nature. With its ideals of sustainability, seasonal ingredients and modern culinary innovation, the movement has had a deep impact on both the restaurant sector and the world of everyday food. This book has been compiled on the occasion of the exhibition New Nordic. Cuisine, Aesthetics and Place at The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, which explores the interaction between the evolution of new Nordic cuisine and trends in other forms of contemporary culture. Architecture, contemporary art, design and studio crafts are woven together to provide a broader understanding of the movement’s aesthetic characteristics. How did materials, people and landscape interact to produce a distinctly Nordic culinary identity?

Text in English and Norwegian.

Through the process of redrawing the plans of a wide range of completed projects by Le Corbusier, this book offers a new interpretation of his architectural works. Redrawing all the technical drawings provides an insight into the thoughts of the architect when dealing with different building types with different functions and provides a fresh understanding of the morphological strategies. Containing 11 different types of public buildings completed by Le Corbusier, this book draws on 80 of his works, and includes drawings and 3D model spatial diagrams. When examined in the context of completion date, the reader is able to observe the continuity and transition of Le Corbusier’s design ideas. By focusing on Le Corbusier and his influential architecture, the book provides a better understanding of the morphological basis of modernist architecture in the 20th century.

The architecture work of Brazil-based Raul di Pace is guided by creativity and innovation. The firm’s focus always comes with the awareness that it is providing a service to its customer. The firm’s ideas happen naturally, and relate to the needs of the residents and their dreams for the place where they will live. A house is a place that must adapt to fit in with the time for which it is designed, and then it must continue to be a living environment as time and generations evolve. Before, cities had no running water and electricity—today most things are automated. To follow time is to adapt to new technologies, new materials, new habits and demands. We cannot imagine something as unchangeable, untouchable. A contemporary house cannot be simply a sanctuary. It should primarily be a pleasant space that provides adequate housing that serves the residents before anything else; it is up to the architect to remake, adapt, orient and reorient—all the while fulfilling this overall mission. Since the beginning, Raul di Pace’s architecture is about the search to reinvent oneself, to propose new solutions, built to suit specific purposes. Heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, which was a process of reinvention from start to finish, this highly anticipated volume shows how Raul di Pace continues to reinvent its language based on the same premise: make less, splurge less, seek the essential.

Text in English and Portuguese.

a+u’s May issue features Francis Kéré, a Berlin-based architect originally from the West African nation of Burkina Faso. His earliest work, Gando Primary School, demonstrated a design process that embraces the cultural and material roots of a place and its people, and as the Gando project expanded in scope to include other social amenities, Kéré’s architecture became a tool of community building and empowerment. This architecture of humanism relies on the metaphor of the palaver tree, under which a community gathers and knowledge is formed and transmitted. Kéré enriches local, basic materials and traditional know-how with thoughtful and forward-looking technological and ecological concepts, creating a sustainable, low-cost, and high-performance architecture that serves as a model for the Global South. Opening with Gando Primary School and ending with ongoing construction projects, furniture pieces, and exhibitions, this monograph presents 34 works. In addition to texts by Kéré and guest editor Andres Lepik, 3 essays by younger architects of African origins situate Kéré’s work in the broader context of architecture and urbanization in the African continent, invoking issues of translatability, authenticity, justice, community, and empowerment.

Text in English and Japanese.