The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture: Comprehensive Edition FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture presents a global survey of the most outstanding works of contemporary architecture from around the world completed in the last five years. Organized geographically and illustrated with global, regional and sub-regional maps locating each building, the book illustrates more than 1,000 completed buildings, and includes some of the most influential projects as well as many lesser-known buildings from around the world. Sections on World Data, Building Data and Architectﾽs Biographies build up a detailed picture of the influences on contemporary architecture today. Every building type, from the largest publicly-funded art museums and airports to private houses, is covered, and each project is illustrated with colour photographs, line drawings and a descriptive text.
The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary Architecture presents a comprehensive survey of international architecture at the turn of the twenty-first century. Eminent architectural critics, curators, journalists and practitioners from all parts of the globe were asked to nominate what they considered to be the most outstanding works of contemporary architecture in their regions and beyond. The resulting c.1,050 buildings both confirm the far-reaching influence of well-known and respected international practitioners such as Jean Nouvel, Tadao Ando, Renzo Piano, Sir Norman Foster, Rem Koolhaas and Herzog & De Meuron, as well as introducing a host of lesser-known architects whose work provides an illuminating point of comparison with their famous counterparts.
The book provides a unique opportunity to examine contemporary architecture as a global phenomenon with all the cross-cultural influences and commonality this suggests, as well as illustrating the diversity that is generated by climate (from the Arctic circle to the African deserts), culture (from the technologically advanced secularism of western Europe to traditional rural communities) and economics (from the wealthy post-industrial mega-economies to some of the most economically challenged countries of the developing world).
The Atlas is divided into six geographical regions with detailed maps in each section providing geographical orientation and an understanding of where contemporary architecture is being commissioned, designed and built. The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture will be essential reading for all those interested in gaining a true understanding of where the best contemporary architecture is located in the world.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Publishers produce lavish atlases on every possible topic. But only once in a while does an atlas come along that is as unique and eye-catching as The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture . The best part is not that this magnificently big work (17 7/8" x 11 3/4") is useful to every living architect but that it is designed to attract the rest of us. Featuring 5500 illustrations, 2000 line drawings, 4600 color images, and 62 specially commissioned maps and covering more than 650 architects and more than 1000 new buildings from 75 countries on every continent, the book honors the marvels of modern architecture with elegance and first-rate authority, more often than not relying on the abundant photographs rather than the accompanying text to tell the story behind each building. At first glance the book appears to have the hallmarks of a typical reference tool in fact, its size and weight may make it appropriate for reference collections only. However, given its emphasis on photography and architectural detail, it is really a hybrid of formats. "It's meant to be used as a reference book," explains Karen Stein, editorial director at Phaidon, "but our goal was to produce a book demonstrating the vitality and variety of architecture that would appeal to lay readers interested in traveling as well as architects." Three years in the making, the atlas was put together by a committee of seven people, who solicited opinions from some 150 international jurors, including architects, academics, critics, curators, and journalists. The committee's job was to narrow down the list of 4000 suggested buildings to 1,052. "The main challenge was having to choose among so many photographs," explains Stein. "We wanted to be as inclusive as possible. The focus was never on which countries to include but instead on which buildings were worth calling attention to." The result is one handsome volume that will be a tough act to follow. If your library can shell out $160 on only one lavish reference, this is a strong contender. For more information, go to www. phaidon.com/atlas. Mirela Roncevic Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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