1 comments about Minimal Architecture: From Contemporary International Style to New Strategies (Architecture in Focus).

1. Despite this book's moderate size (175 pages only), it is a very well-done book with amples of photographs; where appropriate building plan, architects' contact information; bibliography; author biographies, illustration credits (not in any particular order). Unlike some architecture books which emphasise merely upon the visuals, this book is rather cerebral trying to define what "minimalism" is. In the end, it doesn't provide us with a definitive answer but it raises more questions in helping us to categorise the kind of minimalism that we think we belong to. Here, minimalism is separated into essential minimalism (transposing Modernism's "less is more" to "least is most", reductive composition with usage of industrial materials, & inward looking), meta-minimalism (appropriation "minimalism"-s formal language whilst cultivating it for their own aims), & trans-minimalism (as quoted, theoretical speculation about an architecture which would allow itself to be inspired not by the forms but by the concepts of Minimal Art, taking its external environment into context as a sum of its parts). Here, acknowledged minimalist architects are omitted such as John Pawson & Campo Baeza. Rather, architects such as OMA, Herzog & de Meuron (cheekily called the enfant terrible of "minimalist architecture" for their loose interpretation of such discipline & only been used on some of their works), Zaha Hadid, Shigeru Ban, Jose Rafel Moneo Arquitecto, Diener & Diener Architekten & the list continues. Here, we are brought to the attention that there is an irony in minimalism where its original intention to deviate from consumerism is used subsequently by Prada, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani to market their products. As minimalism is going mainstream, Prada is now engaging service of OMA to redefine minimalism & thus, individualise its brand from other brand offerings. This is one of those books that I enjoy reading again & again. Highly recommended & a definitive collection if you are an architecture enthusiast.

No comments about Gamble House: Greene and Greene (Architecture in Detail).

1 comments about Architecture of Truth.

1. This gorgeous book flawlessly demonstrates the architecture of the Cistercians, the photographs conveying the principles of asceticism which governed their monastic spaces. The continuity of pages filled with black and white photos, alongside which black text communicates wisdom from some of the greatest religious personages, is broken only by the red lettering delineating the beginning of a new section, each of which is named for the canonical hours--mirroring the shift that would have occurred in the monks' day as the bells of terce or nones called them to prayer. Throughout, Hervé's photographs marvelously capture the spirit of light so important to the aesthetic of Cistercian architecture, making it apparent that he truly understands and respects its principles. The essence of L'Abbaye du Thoronet permeates the pages, making me feel (in a way no other book has) as though I am again standing in its cloister, the scent of boxwood in the air, a specific and marked tranquility throughout...
   I believe that this is a volume of which St. Bernard himself would approve.

2 comments about Romanesque & Gothic France: Art and Architecture.

1. This is really helpful if you're doing your Levert project. I know that there are some of you out there who know what I'm talking about. So have fun! It's due in two days! Yay!



2. I was recently doing a school report on cathedrals in france and i came acrosss this little gem. It is packed with information on both romanesque and gothic architectural styles and is not only educational but also very intriguing. After doing my report, i continued to read this book and to learn more about architecture. I reccomend this book because it is both informative and well written.

1 comments about Gothic Gargoyles.

1. If you are looking for a beautiful book with lots and lots of interesting color photographs suitable for framing, this is it! Each picture is identified as to the location of the gargoyle, even the exact location on the building it adorns!

No comments about Steven Holl Architects/Simmons Hall.

1 comments about Parallel Utopia.

1. Dream homes in ideal communities are the subjects of this work. Sea Ranch, California and Seaside, Florida are two communities that have similar goals: to provide an environment that can enrich the lives of the residents. Two different approaches are examined. Sea Ranch is inspired by country life and the nature while Seaside is more of an urban experience set to accomodate people rather than the automobile. Both communities include "dream homes" although styles are markedly different because of climate, natural environment and regional styles.

   Photography and graphics are first rate.

2 comments about The Majesty of St. Charles Avenue.

1. This is a very well put together book. I am familiar with St. Charles and this book captures the avenue well; I can almost hear the streetcar. The author did a very good job of selecting the houses represented in this book. I only wish that more pictures where taken of the exterior of the homes. The photography is well done, though the photography in the book Classic New Orleans is superior. I suggest if you are interested in this subject you buy this book and Classic New Orleans, they fit perfect together; like crawfish and new potatoes.



2. This book is highly recommended as a compendium of beautiful southern homes. The photos are not available online to view, but the book features many styles of Victorian homes and estates as well as some garden views of those homes. I purchased this book as a resource for 19th century mural work and decorative painting and it has been invaluable for that as well as for my library on Victorian style (although some of the interiors are intentionally eclectic and are not all true to period). The book features stained glass windows, woodwork, murals, inventive use of color, design, and original architecture. I never would have purchased the book if I had not seen a favorable review and photos in Victorian Homes mag, so I hope to do you the favor of endorsing the purchase for you. Very highly recommended.

1 comments about The Complete Illustrated Guide to Castles, Palaces & Stately Houses of Britain and Ireland: An Unrivalled Account Of Britain's Architectural And Historical ... Map And Plans (Complete Illustrated Guide).

1. This is a gorgeous book. The pictures are beautiful and the text is very informative. I like the way the book is divided into historical periods.

3 comments about Skyscraper Rivals.

1. What a wonderful book, the vintage black and white photos are amazing. I found this book so interesting, I had no idea about this wonderful story. I recommend this book on so many levels. If you enjoy great vintage photos, interesting history, and New York..all of which I do. This books makes you appreciate the beauty of Art Deco skyscrapers and makes you sad that the more modern buildings don't even compare. I commend the authors on reviving this wonderful history and for providing wonderful vintage photos of a more stylish past.



2. Coincidentally, I also am in Somerville, MA. I happened upon this only because it was displayed prominently in a local Cambridge institution in Harvard Square on top of a stack of new architecture and art books that I passed by just browsing. I probably buy more computer-related books (not many at all) than architecture these days, but after looking through this I easily decided to buy it then and there. Two buildings I never previously knew existed, but are richly and lovingly documented (right down to the oddball uniforms the staff had to wear during that period in time). Equal parts historical reference and architectural anthology of the two structures. It currently occupies the top shelf of my living room bookcase.



3. Daniel Abramson is a first-class writer who beautifully handles a large and interesting subject. Hundreds of photos make the book highly accessible. The text perfectly complements the photographs. Outstanding.