Shelf love: the most alluring architecture books of 2019

The Touch – Spaces designed for the senses
Gestalten

How can a design inspire you to reach out and touch? This is the question that The Touch explores through a series of 25 sensuous case studies compiled by Copenhagen-based experts in lifestyle, design and creative living, Nathan Williams of Kinfolk and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects. Pertinent to a generation consumed with flat images on Instagram and Pinterest, the book seeks to reconnect the senses back to design. Each chapter hones an element of touch, educating readers on the ‘building blocks of human centric design’.

The book is generous, reaching gracefully across theories, typologies and styles connected to the movement. Photographs capture the feeling of walking through the Moorish modern arches of the Corberó Residence, or sleeping alongside the muted earth tones and ikebana arrangements of the Bijuu Residence in Japan. While interviews, including John Pawson on light, and David Thulstrup on colour, ponder the meaning of each element in further detail, as well as an appendix with profiles on pivotal design figures such as Lina Bo Bardi, Donald Judd and Juhani Pallasmaa.

AB Concept: A Cultural Journey through Light, Form, and Space
Assouline

AB Concept co-founders Ed Ng and Terence Ngan set up their joint Hong Kong operation two decades ago and have since seemingly taken over the world of luxury interiors in the residential and hospitality fields; and with good reason, as their striking designs are sensual, meticulous and multi-layered, bringing their own unique brand of east-west fusion in an exciting journey of storytelling. Now, a range of their projects can be perused in a new tome by specialist publisher Assouline. The hefty publication includes a variety of hospitality flagships around the world, such as their Mei Ume restaurant in London’s Trinity Square. Not only will the reader be able to follow the practice’s work through iconic and experimental works, getting a unique insight into the brand’s mind and processes, but they will also be taken through an enticing journey around the world, as well as a true visual feast. The book features words by Paola Singer. Photography: Owen Raggett

Lever de rideau: A theatre in Cachan
Park Books

Editor Rafaël Magrou and Ateliers O-S Architectes present a playful building study of the Jacques Carat Theater in Cachan near Paris by Ateliers O-S architects. Combining photography by Cyrille Weiner with a graphic short story by Lucas Harari and Alexis Jamet, and architectural plans and illustrations, this book tells the story of the transformation of an early 20th century local theatre building, into an animated culture centre. Beyond rebuilding and modernizing, the design extended out into the neighbourhood – a neighbouring tennis court became a public park. This unconventional book is a unique portrait of urban planning and architecture.

Edge of Order
Crown Publishers

Architect Daniel Libeskind beautifully encapsulates his guiding philosophies, inspirations and creative processes within a new monograph designed by Rodrigo Corral and written by Tim McKeough. Libeskind’s projects such as the Jewish Museum Berlin and the World Trade Center Master Plan have changed how we think about architecture today, and this publication provides a window into how he has achieved these provocative designs. The book weaves together text and design to reveal his personal creative history through sketches, notes, plans, and photographs surrounding some of his key projects: ‘This process is not always neat and tidy, or linear. Sometimes the components fall neatly in order, one after another; other times they’re all in play at once. But describing them as a sequence provides a framework for my ideas, and a path forward,’ says Libeskind.

Contours & Horizons: Reiulf Ramstad Architects
Hatje Cantz

A new monograph brings together the ‘unpretentious’ and ‘simple’ architecture of Oslo-based  Reiulf Ramstad Architects (RRA). The studio was founded by Norwegian architect Reiulf Ramstad in 1995, who has referenced Aldo Rossi, Carlo Scarpa, and Sverre Fehn as influences on his work. While presenting a broad selection of projects, this books looks specifically at RRA buildings in the context of Scandinavia. Within the book, the architecture of RRA is complemented by essays from artists, philosophers, and architectural critics who explore the state of contemporary architecture today. The book was launched alongside an exhibition at the Utzon Centre in Aalborg, Denmark that investigates what it means to be a Nordic architect in a globalised era.

In Service of Undiscovered Life – Kristin Jarmund Architects
Arvinius + Orfeus Publishing

A new book charts the journey of architect Kristin Jarmund and the practice she founded in 1985. Characterised by simplicity, modern solutions with an emphasis on the human dimension, her architectural style first broke onto the scene with the Fyrstikkterrassen building, a multipurpose commercial building in Oslo. She then went on to design many important urban structures including Nydalen Metro Station, the award-winning Råholt School and the Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu. Opening with a foreword by Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, an essay by Aaron Betsky and an in depth interview with Kristin Jarmund by the editor of the book, Tomas Lauri, the book then launches into four chapters that guide the reader through Jarmund’s key concepts. The first one, ‘Colour is a Material’, follows her use of colour and its significance to her work.

Eric Mendelsohn Synagogues
Lund Humphries

Four synagogues designed by Eric Mendelsohn are documented in colour by photographer Michael Palmer in this new book published by Lund Humphries. These four synagogues, are the built designs out of the seven that the German-Jewish architect created in America between 1946 and 1953. Writer Ita Heinze-Greenberg’s accompanying essay describes Mendelsohn’s relationship to Judaism and Zionism – including his interest in finding new architectural solutions for the post-war and post-Holocaust climate, when the duality of Jewish and American identity became more crucial than ever.

Architects’ Houses by Michael Webb
Thames & Hudson

This fascinating publication, authored by Michael Webb, peeks into the houses of some of the world’s leading architects, investigating their design statements, as each one reflects the tastes, approach and personality of its author and owner. Pictured here is Tower house in New York State by Peter and Thomas Gluck, where living spaces are cantilevered from a stack of three bedrooms to command sweeping views over the tree tops. The project, published by Thames & Hudson, comprises 30 pioneering houses and their architects, who talk about what inspired them and how their concepts came to become reality. Pictured here, the striking Swartberg house in South Africa by Jennifer Beningfield, featuring simple blocks of brick faced in rough plaster plays off the beauty of the landscape. The architects in the book include established names, such as Norman Foster, Thom Mayne, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien – and the projects vary in size, scope, context and material, offering a thrilling read. Pictured here, architect Todd Saunders’ Villa S in Bergen, Norway. Here, the main living spaces are raised off the ground to minimise the footprint and provide shelter from frequent rain. Photography: Richard Davies, courtesy Openstudio Architects

Midwest Architecture Journeys
Belt Publishing

A group of architects, critics, and journalists unite for an architectural road trip across the Mid-west, visiting works by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as lesser known buildings such as the New Glarus Brewing’s Hilltop Brewery in Wisconsin and Eliel Saarinen’s Christ Church Lutheran in Minnesota. Pitched at travellers and architecture fans alike, this coffee table book, edited by Zach Mortice with an introduction by Alexandra Lange, presents each building case study with a black and white photography and short text.

Peter Salter: Walmer Yard
Circa

A new book published by Circa traces the decade-long development of Walmer Yard, an experimental residential project in Notting Hill designed by architect Peter Salter. The complex, an intense collage of materials and techniques, now houses the Baylight Foundation a charitable organisation that works towards increasing the public understanding of what architecture can do. Combining Salter’s pen-and-ink drawings, with photographs by Hélène Binet and accounts from collaborators including Fenella Collingridge and developer Crispin Kelly, the book unravels a narrative of the complex. Read more about Walmer Yard here

Ehrlich Yanai Outside-In: New California Modernism
The Monacelli Press

This book takes readers on a journey from Venice Beach to Palo Alto through 15 recent private residential projects of architects Steven Ehrlich and Takashi Yanai, principals of Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC). Design writer Zahid Sardar charts the subtle variations of regional Californian modernism in the introduction as an entry into the work of EYRC. He describes Ehrlich’s theories of ‘multicultural modernism’, an architecture equipped with ideas from time spent in Morocco and Nigeria. And the interests of Yanai, born in Japan and later raised in Southern California, who draws from traditional Japanese architecture and a love of nature. Sardar summarises: ‘Timeless in concept, Ehrlich and Yanai’s practical, modern, interactive, and sometimes quixotic house designs “borrow” views, erase the lines between interiors and exteriors, and bring the outside in.’ Pictured above is Ehrlich Yanai’s Spectral Bridge House – a collaboration with artist Johannes Girardoni, who created an immersive art experience of shades of light that bounce through the monolithic blocks of architecture.

Box Set #25: Lacroix Chessex
Divisare

Swiss architecture practice Lacroix Chessex teamed up with renowned photographer Joël Tettamanti to produce a carefully curated set of five books, each focusing on one of the dynamic practice’s individual projects. The Geneva based studio has graced the pages of Wallpaper* more than once with their striking architectural compositions of modernist-inspired work. The work of partners Hiéronyme Lacroix and Simon Chessex has already won numerous awards, including the ’best single house 2018 award’ for their Villa Sandmeier, which is featured in this publication. In these books, and seen through Tettamanti’s sensitive but also dramatic photography, is a selection of the architects’ work, spanning private houses, a larger residential scheme and a nursery. The prohects included are: Maison aux Jeurs, Valais (2013); Chalet Noisette, Swiss Alps (2008); Villa Sandmeier, Geneva (2014); Creche in La Chapelle-Les Sciers, Geneva (2015); Student house, The Graduate Institute, Geneva (2012). Writer: Ellie Stathaki. Photography: Joel Tettamanti

Drawing architecture
Phaidon

Architectural drawings by the likes of Michelangelo, Frank Gehry, Louise Bourgeois, Tadao Ando, Zaha Hadid, Grafton Architects and Luis Barragán are brought together in this book. Spanning geography and time, over 250 drawings are printed on textured uncoated paper with deckled edges and displayed in pairs with an illustrated chronology at the back of the book. The drawings, introduced by Helen Thomas, architect and writer, represent many different parts of the design process – from dreaming and doodling, experimenting and visualising, to planning and prepping for construction. Some sketches are realistic renderings of buildings, while others are totally abstracted visions or careful, close-up details. Each unique drawing is accompanied by text explaining its meaning and purpose to the architect. Architects drawings are often overlooked, yet are true works of art. From historic Japanese scrolls to Chamberlin Powell and Bonn’s intricate illustration for the Barbican cultural centre, architecture begins its life on paper.

Radical Essex by Hayley Dixon and Joe Hill
Focal Point Gallery

Following up on the 2016 event that explored the lesser known modernist gems of Essex, ‘Radical Essex’ is a book documenting the British region’s mid-century works and celebrates its vibrant, pioneering thinking throughout the 20th century. The archive material included in the book ranges from a weekend celebrating modernist architecture in Essex, to an exhibition charting the history of the county’s experimental communities. Pictured here, the Bata Estate, East Tilbury (2016). Essex ‘lays claim to being the birthplace of British modernism’, say the authors. Indeed, the country’s earliest building of this style, the Clockhouse Way Estate, was built on the outskirts of Braintree. The county also played host to architectural experiments, such as the two new towns of Harlow and Basildon. Pictured here, the Redshank in Lee-over-Sands (2016). The book is illustrated with photography from award-winning photographer Catherine Hyland, who worked in residence for the Radical Essex project. Complementing the beautiful visuals, the project includes specially written essays by Tim Burrows, Gillian Darley, Charles Holland, Rachel Lichtenstein, Jules Lubbock, Jess Twyman and Ken Worpole. Pictured here, the Beecroft Art Gallery, Southend-on-Sea (2016). Photography: Catherine Hyland, Courtesy of Focal Point Gallery

Elemental
Phaidon

Chilean architecture practice Elemental may not be even 20 years old, but it has already made its mark on the 21st-century architecture scene. Now, an especially curated monograph cataloguing the inspirational studio’s work over the years has been released by Phaidon, celebrating the five partners’ – Alejandro Aravena, Gonzalo Arteaga, Juan Cerda, Victor Oddó and Diego Torres – tireless pursuit for great architecture. The way the book is put together represents well the firm’s design approach; it is meticulously planned, delving into a wealth of drawings and sketches that tell the story behind the practice’s history and its growing list of commissions. Looking at Elemental’s approach and working practice through engaging storytelling and rigorous architecture representation, this tome combines never-before-published images by the studio and renowned architectural photographers in a true visual feast for architecture buffs. There is a very useful and interesting timeline of Elemental’s work to-date, as well as texts describing projects but also wider themes, like the origins of the practice, by 2016 Pritzker Prize winner Aravena. 

Writer: Ellie Stathaki. Photography: Elemental

Archigram – The Book
Circa Press

Designed and edited by Dennis Crompton, ‘Archigram – The Book’ presents the history and work of the celebrated architectural collective founded in the 1960s that inspired buildings such as the Pompidou in Paris and the High Tech movement. Archigram member, Crompton, has worked on the book over a period of 40 years to document the illustrated theories, mind-boggling designs and progressive ideas of Archigram into one impressive tome. The rebellious group created an experimental and optimistic, functionalist style of architecture that they spread over 14 years of productivity, which the book brings together into one colourful catalogue of designs of cities, infrastructures and concepts, with commentaries by architects and critics, tracing the group’s creative output that traversed mediums and countries. Archigram published their first manifesto, titled ‘Living City’ in 1963, edited by Reyner Banham, as well as an ongoing series of magazines that circulated out their radical ideas. Participating in the 14th Milan Triennale launched the group into international orbit and Archigram’s work continues to be relevant to architects across the world today.

Garcia Tamjidi Architecture Design: 20 Years
Garcia Tamjidi 

San Francisco-based architecture and interiors firm Garcia Tamjidi is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a carefully designed tome that looks back at its projects and overall approach over the years. Beautifully written by Eva Hagberg Fischer and designed by Public, the publication offers valuable insights from practice directors Michael Garcia and Farid Tamjidi on what it means to build in Frisco. The publication fits within a custom made envelope and the design reflects the practice’s thoughtful and minimalist architectural approach. A selection of projects, including residential, office and product design, help introduce the firm’s priorities, presented through the lens of key architectural elements: lines, shapes and colours. Writer: Ellie Stathaki. Photography: Joe Budd

Konrad Wachsmann and the Grapevine Structure
Park Books

Wachsmann developed the Grapevine construction element with students during his tenure at the Chicago Institute of Design, now part of Illinois Institute of Technology. The book highlights other important projects including the Packaged House System, his relocatable hangars for the US Air Force and the Local Orientation Manipulator (LOM), developed with John Bollinger and Xavier Mendoza at the University of California, Los Angeles. As well as diagrams and archive material related to the projects, the book features texts by a number of contributors. Notably, an essay by Andreas Burkhalter on Wachsmann’s legendary knotted joints in the context of possible similar structures in the human brain, and a conversation by Marko Pogacnik with architects Hermann Czech and Friedrich Kurrent on Wachsmann’s lectures at the Salzburg Summer Academy.

Rene Gonzalez Architects: Not Lost in Translation
The Monacelli Press

The new monograph on the work of Rene Gonzalez surveys the Miami-based architect’s works, spanning 14 residential, commercial, and cultural projects in Florida. It also explores his concerns and investigations on the environmental issues that are affecting the world – and the way rising sea levels, specifically, will change the way we design. The book includes the architect’s own photographs of Miami’s vernacular architecture, as well as his projects such as three Alchemist boutiques, the first of which won the 2011 National AIA Institute Honor Award, the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation, and several private houses. On the left, the striking, 18-storey Glass Residential Tower in Miami Beach also forms part of the beautifully curated tome, which includes essays from Modern Magazine editor Beth Dunlop, journalist Caroline Roux, and architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. Photography: Mark Stavaridis

California Captured: Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Phaidon

Marvin Rand’s iconic photographs have helped define California’s instantly recognisable mid-century modern aesthetic, and now, a new book from Phaidon by Emily Bills, Sam Lubell and Pierluigi Serraino is out to celebrate the work of the American photographer. Up till now an unsung hero of his time, Rand left a rich archive, which was discovered in 2012 by one of the book’s writers and West Coast editor of the Architect’s Newspaper, Sam Lubell. The archive is a true treasure trove of material and consists of more than 50,000 negatives and transparencies. Working with architect, author and educator Pierluigi Serraino and participating adjunct professor of Urban Studies at Woodbury University Emily Bills, Lubell curated a carefully composed tome that explores Rand’s photography and showcases the broad range of architecture captured through his lens in a beautifully produced book.

Arquitectonica
Rizzoli

Arquitectonica is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a hefty monograph by Alastair Gordon that looks back into the practice’s rich body of work. The international firm has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Lima and Sao Paulo and is led by principals Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Laurinda Spear, who work with modern materials and contemporary forms to create architecture of a wide range of scale and typologies. The book, authored by Alastair Gordon, explores the frequently large-scale, groundbreaking work of the practice that is behind instantly recognisable architecture pieces such as Regalia tower on Sunny Isles Beach in Miami, pictured here. There’s an extensive selection of projects to enjoy, as the firm has work in 58 countries across five continents. Photography: Mike Kelley

Seth Stein Architects by Kenneth Powell
Lund Humphries

Since 1990, Seth Stein has worked across typologies of residential and commerical architecture, attracting much interest and prasie for his work that combines striking scrulptural form with elegance. This monograph brings together a range of projects with 204 coloured images, yet also reveals insight into the practice’s ethos and design processes including material and building method innovation and an interest in environmental sustainability. Pictured here, the Equestrian Centre built in Australia in 2014, featuring a strong, curved rear wall made of rammed earth. Stein’s architecture ranges from coastal retreats to revitalisations of historic townhouses and palazzos. His work preserves and communicates its context, connecting with its natural or urban landscape. Pictured here on the right, the Beach House in North Caicos bulit in 2006 which features jalousie and bug screens that transform the buildings into two lanterns in the evening. On the left, the Archipelago House in Finland built in 2000. Photography: Lisbeth Grosmann