Books
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The Story of Art: Po...
If you didn't take Art History in while pursuing your secondary eduction, I'd recommend getting a copy of this book. On it's 16th edition, it gives an excellent introduction to art as a chronological narrative (so, it's easy to read). From Booklist: "Gombrich's The Story of Art has been a treasured standard in the field, selling more than 4 million copies since its first edition in 1950. Now in its 16th edition and available for the first time in paperback, this comprehensive look at Western art from prehistoric times on up to the present has been completely redesigned and extensively…
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Latin American House...
Judging by the cover, this looks to have some interesting homes... "Focusing on one-family houses that have been built over the past decade, this lively new title explores the elegance and innovation with which today's Latin American architects evolve their modernist heritage. In some cases, as with Chilean Smiljan Radic Clarke's Pite House - a dramatic concrete bunker that cantilevers over a rough Pacific shoreline - the lineage is clear, as are the materials and strategies used to contend with often inhospitable locations. Others, like Mexican architect Michel Rojkind's bright red "ribbon" PR 34 House, reveal forms better known in…
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20 Houses by Twenty ...
"The book presents twenty houses designed by the most celebrated architects of the moment, in a wide range of countries. Technical data, plans and a biographical profile of the architect are presented for each of the twenty homes, along with the project report. Located in very diverse geographical settings and designed by figures with an established international reputation - including Glenn Murcutt, Steven Holl, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Richard Meier and Rem Kollhaas - as well as by emerging young arhcitects, the twenty houses represent a significant moment of crystallization in contemporary architectural research. The discussion of the architecture…
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Modernism Reborn: Mi...
I'm a mid-century modern home junkie, and despite my very recently built home, I'll always be addicted to reading about the restoration of truly innovative architecture of that particular time period. "This book gathers mid-century designs that are austere and simple, use natural materials, and address space as a positive and layers of furniture and trimmings as a negative. Modern houses are comfortable in their juncture of light and open floor plans; they yield timeless designs that remain "modern" 50 to 60 years after the fact when other designs are headed toward being "antique." This well-designed volume is as comfortable…
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Tom Ford
Not to sound fashion addicted, but I want this book...(very coffee table worthy). "This book is a complete catalogue of Ford's design work for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent from 1994 to 2004. It chronicles not only Ford's clothing and accessories designs for both houses, but also explores Ford's grand vision for the complete design of a brand, including architecture, store design, and advertising"
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Little House on a Sm...
Our house isn't huge by today's standards, yet after reading this book I wanted to move into a home half the size. Not many people can say that, and sure, it sounds strange considering the past trend of 'bigger is better' when it comes to homes, cars, etc. Yet there's something refreshing about minimizing one's possessions and taking stock of what we truly need in order to live comfortably. Owning your home after a few years compared to paying mortgage payments for 15 or 30 years certainly sounds good, but is it possible to let go of the old mentality…
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How to Live in Small...
There's no doubt that Sir Terence Conran has gotten to where he is today because of his excellent design sense. So, it's no surprise this book does a great job of offering several ideas that will get your small space in top notch shape. Lots of photos and drawings to show how certain home owners maximize storage and living space, checklists at the end of each chapter, and several case studies give you the information and motivation you'll need to make your home look and feel larger. Who doesn't want that?
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Hip Hotels Ski by He...
If you're a skier or a snowboarder you might find this mighty useful in picking out a place to stay this season, or maybe find it as inspiration to save for next year. 'Forget crowded lodges and cookie-cutter condos-the latest installment in the Hip Hotels series proves there's a world of style in après-ski accommodations. This glossy volume profiles 40 swanky and funky hotels in 24 of the best ski towns in North America and Europe. In his typical fashion, Ypma, a photographer and writer, avoids obvious luxury locales, opting instead for hidden jewels and off-the-wall treasures...Over 500 sumptuous photographs…
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Green Roof – ...
For anyone even slightly interested in the concept, this book will shed some light on what goes into getting a green roof. This case study of a green roof garden commissioned by the American Society of Landscape Architects gives a thorough explanation of the construction and design process, and I do have to say that it makes a green roof more approachable, if not for the detailed facts, then for the multitude of pictures and diagrams that give visual aid to some of us that are less than familiar with the technical aspects.
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Point It
I sincerely hope that no one will completely rely upon this for all communication when visiting a foreign land, but I do know that no matter how much you prepare, sometimes you just forget certain necessary words. This might be handy to have just in case your memory fails you. 'You may be fluent in multiple languages but still sometimes find yourself "off the beaten path " and unable to communicate effectively. "Point It " is the solution, with images of 1200 items to which you can indicate for universal understanding.'
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Natural Architecture...
This book blurs landscape and art together, showcasing artists that carve and build sculpture from natural materials. I especially thought the Sylvan Steps by David Nash and the Root Sculpture by Nils-Udo deserved mention. "Never has the relationship between art and nature been more complicated and more fragile, but also richer and more fascinating. The artists and architects in Natural Architecture have transformed the act of building into an art form capable of sparking new relationships with nature, landscape, and the environment. Natural Architecture presents sixty-six site-specific installations that use raw materials, manual labor, and natural stimuli to create truly…
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Concrete Architectur...
Who doesn't love concrete as a building material? "No longer the material of choice for just factories and industrial buildings, concrete is now fashionable and chic, adorning shops, restaurants, homes, and landscapes with its desirable, tactile surfaces. This reversal of fortune can be attributed to its use in luxurious homes and the discovery that concrete can provide stimulating or soothing environments for a range of leisure activities. Organized around the themes of Home, Work, Play, and Landscape, all the examples chosen celebrate the intrinsic qualities of concrete and how they work to make the places in which we live, work,…
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Inside MNM: Minimali...
This isn't such a bad price to pay for a book with minimalist interiors...(it's a bargain price, so quantities are limited) "Inside MNM: Minimalist Interiors explains minimalist concepts and concentrates on private interiors. This guide includes dozens of sophisticated photographs and introductions to each chapter written by leaders of this extraordinary, contemporary design movement. All the examples featured in the book have one thing in common: they feature the essential, but use the minimal."
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By Hand, The Use of ...
Man. I am very impressed with this book. I'm embarrassed to say I've had it for close to a year, and only now have I sat down and read through it. I won't bore you with details, but I will say that these are the artists that stand out: Karen Reimer (her Chicago Tribune September 29, 2002 (0%) is shown bottom right, I absolutely love all of her pieces), Margarita Cabrera (Pink Blender shown top right- and, yes, it looks similar to Claes Oldenburg's work, but she deals with current issues of immigration and factory workers to sum it up…
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30,000 Years of Art
Despite the intimidating title, this book sounds like it would be an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand art in a global sense. Now, I know not many people aspire to be art historians, but it doesn't hurt to know enough to be able to have a decent conversation without sounding like an idiot. Plus, what would it hurt to broaden your horizons a bit? "1000 great works of art from all periods and regions in the world. * Follow-up to Phaidon’s phenomenally successful The Art Book * An accessible, fun and informative compendium of world art, that offers…