This theoretical work on architecture examines the meaning and relevance of a neutral stance in the face of contemporary urban chaos. It stems from a desire to move beyond a paradigmatic reading of urbanization and to establish a calmer relationship to this condition. The neutral stance in question is not one of passivity, but of heightened receptivity. It articulates a desire for a just relationship with the present that is attentive and unassuming, and that readily accepts the polyphonic character of the contemporary city. Its central argument concerns the creative and productive potential of neutrality and the way it engages with chaos as an inexhaustible source. This research draws on a broad body of multidisciplinary work (art, literature, photography, psychoanalysis etc.) to define a position within the architectural discipline.
The publication emerges from Ido Avissar’s in-depth research at the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Versailles. It is closely connected to a monograph on the work of LIST, the architecture and urban planning office founded by Avissar in 2012, and complements it with a more in-depth theoretical perspective.
The studio of an architect is perhaps the most singular project in one’s oeuvre complete. After their own house, it is the second most inward-looking space an architect designs. They are no longer just crafting ideas to meet the requirements proposed by others, but now face their own desires, both as architect and as client. What are the spatial qualities that one needs? How does the space conform to one’s working method? How does the space best stimulate ideas and inspirations? Considering it is the place where those ideas and inspiration are born, how could it be shaped by and speak for them? With essays, projects, and interviews, Architects’ Studios, the 2019 summer volume of Architecture China, offers a look into the studios of 14 outstanding Chinese architects: Atelier FCJZ, ZAO/standardarchitecture, MAD Architects, OPEN Architecture, Atelier Deshaus, Vector Architects, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, AZL Architects, Archi-Union Architects, Atelier AZ+, People s Architecture Office, Atelier ArchMixing, Original Design Studio, and Naturalbuild. Additionally, Pritzker Prize winner Wang Shu reveals his desk in the cover imagery.
Regarded by critics to be one of the most progressive American firms to be seen in the last 30 years, Hariri & Hariri Architecture was established in 1986 by Iranian-born Cornell-educated sisters, Gisue Hariri and Mojgan Hariri. Their work imbues their own unique brand of modernism across conceptual, residential, commercial and institutional works. The practice has a voice that is distinctly its own. The firm’s work has often been described in the language of poetry or art. What differentiates its work is the firm’s insistence that it approaches all projects, small or large, in a ‘holistic’ manner. While this approach integrates multiple dimensions and considerations, there are two overriding imperatives that transcend others to define its design narrative: ‘nature and identity.’ These key principles are celebrated in this visually stunning book. A significant addition to IMAGES’ growing list of titles in its global-reaching Leading Architects series, this beautifully photographed book showcases an enormous body of work by a firm led by two multi-disciplinary practitioners.
Architecture Asia, as the official journal of the Architects Regional Council Asia, aims to provide a forum not only for presenting Asian phenomena and their characteristics to the world but also for understanding diversity and multiculturalism within Asia from a global perspective. In the 21st century, Asia has been developed fast in the wave of globalization, and the living and urban environment are changing rapidly along with the economic development. In this process, many Asian cities are carrying out large-scale urban infrastructure construction in the process of rapid urbanization, and building a large number of iconic buildings that represent the characteristics of the country or city. This issue focuses on Living in the 21st Century, through three perspectives: the transformation of spatial functions, the contradiction between urban development and individual dwelling, and architecture in the age of self-media.
Architecture Asia, as the official journal of the Architects Regional Council Asia, aims to provide a forum, not only for presenting Asian phenomena and their characteristics to the world, but also for understanding diversity and multiculturalism within Asia from a global perspective.
This issue focuses on how cultural identity and social responsibility can be embodied within architecture and space design, and features three essays and eleven projects that elaborate on this topic. Each essay discusses the social situation in Australia, Malaysia, and India, respectively, as the eleven projects, accompanied with full-color photos and text descriptions, highlight architectural works that include a community center, nursery, hostel block, and cultural museum, among others, to reveal how through these buildings cultural identity is strengthened, or social responsibility is extended.
Focusing on the leading edge architectural designs with regional characteristics, Architecture China is a journal whose mission is to disseminate the creative works of contemporary Chinese architecture, and to deepen an appreciation of Chinese architectural traditions and trends. This inaugural issue, Building a Future Countryside, will serve as the official catalogue of the Pavilion of China at 16th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia. Following the six episodes of the exhibition, the catalogue gives an in-depth presentation of exhibited installations and projects with texts, drawings, diagrams, and photos. In addition to that, essays by Li Xiangning, curator of the Pavilion of China, and Hans-Jürgen Commerell, director of Aedes Architecture Forum in Berlin, are also featured in the catalogue.
Architectural exhibition is an important aspect in the study and transmission of architectural culture. The academic thoughts and design styles that influence the trends of global architecture are all established through one or a series of important architectural exhibitions. This book is produced based on the GSD (Harvard Graduate School of Design) autumn exhibition: ‘Towards a Critical Pragmatism: Contemporary Chinese Architecture’. It reveals a unique perspective of contemporary Chinese architecture by showcasing 60 works from 60 contemporary architects within five thematic categories: cultural, residential, regeneration, rural, and digital.
The selected architects attempt to maintain, from the earliest moments of the design process to its finished outcome, a certain level of critical thinking and quality. It is a record of the continuous evolution and growth of contemporary Chinese architecture and hopes to open up a new avenue from which to encourage further conversation regarding both the present and future state of China’s architecture culture.
Manuelle Gautrand Architecture is a Parisian-based architecture firm founded by Manuelle Gautrand in 1991, sited in the Bastille neighborhood of this exquisite European city. The firm’s key aim is to ‘re-enchant the city’ of Paris by evoking emotion, reinventing spaces, and garnering renewal and innovation – to be bold and definitive. At the core of Gautrand’s creativity lies the approach to each new project through the spirit of a blank canvas, with no à priori. Yet, each of the project that this firm produces expresses a specific relationship to the site: a desire to revive it and enchant; a deep commitment to working on programs entrusted to the firm; ensure efficiency, flexibility and surprise. Each project is a unique and symbolic encounter. Fuelled by shared ideas and prominent for its breadth of practice, this book documents the comprehensive collection of Manuelle Gautrand Architecture’s design solutions. It celebrates the intuitive and stunning designs, and the firm’s commitment to beauty, revival, boldness and precision.
This new monograph celebrates the creative accomplishments of one of the world’s most influential architects, Cesar Pelli. The book surveys this extraordinary body of work in terms of the AIA’s Gold Medalist’s design, architecture, and planning, tracing Pelli’s motivation as a leading designer and teacher, and the evolution of his work over the span of half a century. More than 50 projects from around the globe – museums, theaters, offices, laboratories, airports, cultural centers, civic works, master plans – are presented in rich full color with insights from Pelli that delve into the design and construction of these landmarks from a practice that has thrived for nearly 40 years.
Klein Dytham architecture: to Tokyo and Beyond celebrates the Tokyo-based studio famous for its playful yet thoughtful approach to design. This vibrant, comprehensive monograph invites readers to explore 76 projects from KDa’s impressive body of award-winning, multidisciplinary work from around the world.
Blending humor, experimentation, and respect for tradition, these projects range from early works, such as Daikanyama T-SITE in Tokyo and Open House in Bangkok, to more recent works, including the Fender flagship store in Tokyo and a Japanese cypress façade for the Cartier boutique in Osaka. This insightful monograph also highlights the studio’s contributions to global cultural phenomena like PechaKucha Night, and how KDa’s innovative ideas intertwine with the cultural, social, and architectural fabric of Japan.
Thought-provoking narratives explore KDa’s creative process and philosophy, while stunning full-color photography captures the bold and vibrant aesthetics emblematic of KDa’s style. From camouflaging 40-story towers in an alpine resort to transforming a commercial building with intricate, openwork cladding, KDa’s designs have a sense of whimsy that brings joy and curiosity to architecture enthusiasts and observers alike.
These three volumes describe and illustrate the trilogy of projects that Craig Hamilton has designed at Old Parkland, Dallas, an office campus developed by Crow Holdings. The architecture and sculpture, together with the spaces between buildings, aim to create a working environment inspired by the humanist ideas of the Renaissance. Hamilton’s work there comprises an office building and a bell tower or Campanile on the existing West Campus, together with the entirely new East Campus which occupies a complete city block and comprises of extensive new office accommodation, an orangery restaurant and a small theater. All three projects are rich in architectural and sculptural symbolism.
Hamilton’s understanding and deep respect for both the wider western and American classical traditions of architecture have been a source of inspiration for the work that has been undertaken at Old Parkland.
The volumes include over 150 hand drawings by Craig Hamilton; sketches, models and sculpture by Professor Alexander Stoddart, Sculptor in Ordinary to HM The King in Scotland; photography by Paul Highnam; words by Clive Aslet, visiting professor of Architecture at the University of Cambridge.
“The well-judged employment of classical detail in a new home has an additional significance that cannot be underestimated. It is an expression of an informed personal choice and an evocation of the delight in the human senses. This is true of all the houses featured in this book.” Jeremy Musson
“The architects and craftsmen that Phillip has featured in this wonderful book all have a love for classical detail. The art is alive and well, as can be attested to in these pages.” David Easton
In The Art of Classical Details, Phillip James Dodd takes a close-up look at some of the finest examples of contemporary classical architecture. The book consists of two chapters: The Essays and The Projects. Starting with a foreword by renowned decorator David Easton, The Essays are written by some of today’s most sought after architects, scholars and craftsmen. Accompanied by sumptuous full page photographs and renderings that illustrate a use of fine materials, intricate detailing, and superb artisanship, these insightful texts are essential reading for anyone with an interest in the theory, practice and craft of classical design. The Projects presents an illustrated look at 25 of today’s finest classically-designed homes. Employing the theories prescribed in the writings of the first chapter, this portfolio of contemporary buildings exhibits the work of some of the most recognizable and celebrated architects in Great Britain and the United States. The work featured in within this book demonstrates the timeless beauty of classicism, and delights in the role that superbly crafted details play in creating art.
In a follow-up to Design for Kids (Images Publishing, 2007), in Architecture Is Fun Sharon Exley and Peter Exley demonstrate their ethos that architecture is one of the gateways to a more empathetic and equitable future. They believe making accessible places of learning, living, working, and playing are indispensable for human growth and development. This beautifully presented second monograph illustrates a nexus of architecture, education, community, and experience from the practice of Architecture Is Fun.
Architecture China is a journal focusing on the leading architectural design projects with regional characteristics in contemporary China. This issue focuses on how the architectural tradition is maintained as well as redefined in the contemporary context. Two essays by Li Xiangning, Song Wei & Tian Weijia provide different viewpoints on the topic, and expose critical thinking on how to make a new tradition.
Architecture China is a journal focusing on the leading architectural design projects with regional characteristic in contemporary China. This 2023 Winter issue of Architecture China, focusing on how a new culture could be constructed through the action of building, showcases 12 newly completed museums or galleries, all of which express certain characters in contemporary Chinese culture. Four essays by Li Xiangning, Stanislaus Fung, Aric Chen, and Jiang Jiawei respectively provide different viewpoints on the topic, and expose critical thinking on cultural events that relate to contemporary China.
László Hudec (László Edvard Hudec, or Ladislaus Edward Hudec) can only be described as a legend. As one of the foreign architects who fled his native country of Austria-Hungary during troubled times, he ended up making his mark on more than 50 projects, including over 100 buildings during his 29-year (1918 to 1947) stay in a city far away from home.
Among them, 25 projects have been listed as Shanghai’s Most Historical Buildings. His signature work, the Park Hotel, is counted as national heritage. How did Hudec come to enjoy his legendary status in a foreign land, especially as he arrived with almost nothing in his pocket? Why does he continue to attract new followers even in the 21st century?
For the last 14 years, Dr. Hua Xiahong has devoted herself to the study of Hudec and his architecture. The Shanghai Hudec Architecture has shown the essence of Hudec’s projects, which is also one part of the essence of Shanghai’s architecture. To know Hudec, is to know the history of Shanghai and the city’s future.
Like an encyclopaedia of architecture, his style has gone through Neo-classicism, Expressionism, Art Deco and Modernism, which not only reflects European and American influences, but also the architect’s personal creativity. Hudec has left behind a lot of work that is remarkable in Shanghai’s architectural history.
Text in English and Chinese.
Public markets are the world’s oldest retail trading format. The recent resurgence of public markets is unlocking a new era of market cities, which have sparked urban revitalization and fostered community diversity. This new book will look at the latest developments in market design across the globe, bringing readers up to date with the latest developments and demonstrating ideas, projects, and visions that will offer not only information, but inspiration too.
“An ode to the architectural wonders of Iran.” — AD Middle East
“A book that you enjoy picking up because there are always new and exciting things to discover in the photos. A very special kind of eye journey and absolutely worth reading!” — Lovely Books
Iran, the former Persia, lies at an interface between West-East and North-South. Several early trade routes crossed the country, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe, and the cultural wealth and scenic beauty of this region has attracted travelers for over 2,000 years. This rich past makes Iran one of the most culturally interesting countries of Asia.
The art of building has a special significance here. In contrast to other fields of knowledge, visual communication is particularly important in architecture. Much cannot be fully described; it must be made visible.
In his book, Sohrab Sardashti immerses us in the dreamlike world of Iranian architecture. At the beginning of the book, the history of Iranian architecture is briefly described. Then an impressive variety of buildings is presented, divided according to their different functions. Mosques, tombs, madrassas, hammams, castles, palaces and more are all covered. The text at the beginning of each chapter briefly explains the nature and history of that type of building, followed by a series of examples with a short text on each, and an abundance of photos taken especially for this book.
The book allows one to experience the great diversity and fascination of Iranian architecture and is a visual treat for the reader.
The Kabbalistic idea of creation, as expressed through light, space, and geometry, has left its unmistakable mark on our civilization. Drawing upon a wide array of historical materials and stunning images of contemporary art, sculpture, and architecture, architect Alexander Gorlin explores the influence, whether actually acknowledged or not, of the Kabbalah on modern design in his unprecedented book Kabbalah in Art and Architecture. Gorlin brings light to the translation of the mystical philosophy into a physical form, drawing clear comparisons between philosophy and design that will excite and exalt. Comprising ten chapters that each outline key concepts of the Kabbalah and its representations, both in historic diagrams and the modern built environment, Kabbalah in Art and Architecture puts forth an unparalleled and compelling reinterpretation of art and architecture through the lens of the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. A chapter on the Golem, and an epilogue that discusses German artist Anselm Kiefer’s powerful interpretations of the Kabbalah, complete this unique book.
Bombay Art Deco Architecture presents a treasury of Art Deco buildings comprising residential, commercial and civic architecture. These monuments were created during the mid ’30s and ’40s, a glamorous and optimistic era that predated the official end of the British Raj. The architects, a small list of first-generation Indian architects and builders, were mostly educated in English schools and trained in western architectural traditionst. Impatient with the British reluctance to shed the Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles that had dominated Imperial Bombay’s urban landscape, these visionaries were determined to imbue the city with a new modern style. That style shares its provenance with the Art Deco architecture of Miami Beach, termed ‘Tropical Deco’ by author Laura Cerwinske in her seminal 1981 book. Built in the same era, the Art Deco architecture of the two cities exhibits similar scale, geometry, tropical vocabulary, and love of romance.
When architecture is the subject of an exhibition, there is almost always a dilemma: architecture can only be represented through drawings, models, and photographs; the physicality of architecture per se is missing. The abstraction of architecture for exhibition and the absence of architectural experience in architectural exhibition are in fact two sides of the same coin: The problem of the lack of an architectural reality.
In this book, Yong He Chang traces the history of architectural intervention in exhibitions and answers the above questions through more than forty exhibition designs made by Chang and Atelier FCJZ. The book showcases his original approach to construction and shares his thoughts on the relationship between architecture and the timeless aspects of ‘exhibition’. It also includes a discussion of a series of issues Yong He Chang and his team have encountered in designing exhibitions and installations, and the responses they came up with.
“Showcasing 25 residences by today’s leading classical architects, this wonderful new book also addresses the fundamental issue of collaboration between architect, decorator, landscaper, and the enormous cast of characters who bring their formidable talents to the realization of every project. An Ideal Collaboration is an important addition to the literature of architecture and design.” – Ellie Cullman
“An Ideal Collaboration shares a place in my library next to volumes on great 20th century Classicists. It is essential as a visual reference to the continued evolution of timeless style.” Steven Gambrel
In the follow-up to the critically acclaimed The Art of Classical Details, Phillip James Dodd continues his look at some of the finest examples of contemporary classical architecture in Great Britain and the United States, while also examining how collaboration is the key to their successful design. In reality, collaborative relationships are rare, especially amongst designers, where each is often focused on their own individual objectives and unable to transcend their own egos. Often used as a catch phase, but not often realized, true collaboration requires an understanding and an appreciation – of the role that all parties play in the design and construction of a home. An Ideal Collaboration includes the work of some of the most notable names in contemporary residential design. Architects, decorators, landscape designers, consultants, builders, craftsmen, artists and vendors, all address the design process and the pivotal role that collaboration plays in creating cohesive timeless designs.
We recognize Mario Botta’s buildings for their strong presence. His architecture is not ephemeral. It shapes the mass firmly and precisely. It touches the ground with self-reliance. A building by Mario Botta is an autonomous object. It comprises an ordered world of its own make. It is standing in dialogue with the urban tissue, but it establishes its own order as if it aims at differentiation instead of integration. Architectural order represents the core of his personal idiom. It is a well structured, compositional order which organises everything into a whole, as an underlying thread that connects and brings together houses on the mountains to museums and churches, banks and commercial buildings to buildings on the ground and buildings underground, different buildings at different places in time. The themes that underlie Mario Botta’s architecture are ties that connect and spines that support, common threads that bind one building to the next. His architecture is one of mass. It is then of no surprise that mass is the first thing to be defined and ordered, in his creative process. The volume of his buildings is mostly composed by one or more primary solids. Volume is thus an a-priori for Botta. It is conceived beforehand, the starting point to the adventure of architectural design.