Architecture Now!

These books aren't technical in nature, but are a great collection of interesting projects from around the world. Each book comes in 3 languages, so for those of you that only speak one of them, you'll only enjoy 1/3 of the text, but the graphics are fantastic.

I recieved the two volumes of 100 Contemporary architects. They were in a goog condition, but the box of the two books was completely destroyed.

This is a nice little coffee table styled book on architecture and artwork, showcasing about 92 architects and a few of their works. Its small size makes it easy to take along with you wherever you go. Each architect gets two pages devoted to them, comprising a brief biography highlighting some of their notable works, as well as photos and/or sketches showcasing one or two of their works. Some of the architects and works featured include Alberto Campo Baeza (Center for innovative technologies in Majorca), Will Bruder (Byrne residence in Arizona), Frank Gehry (Experience Music Project in Seattle), Arata Isokazi (Shizuoka convention and arts center in Shizuoka), Polshek Partnership (the very space age Rose center for earth & science in New York), and Richard Rogers (Law courts in Bordeaux, and Millennium Dome in London). A good book.

The author of this book has done a fine job of showcasing recent modern architectural projects of interest to the general population, as well as to architects and structural engineers working in the profession. I am a structural engineer, and I purchased the book because two of my friends, and one of their projects, are featured in the book. I also happened to work on that paticular project, and was interested in having a published record of the project along with my own project files. The book is well written, has wonderful photographs, and is a fine addition to the genre of "coffee table architecture books". Mr. Jodidio is to be commended for writing this book.

In a characteristically perceptive and graceful introduction, Paul Goldberger suggests that the world has caught up with the good sense and refined sensibility of this Seattle firm. This is a handsome, expansive study of a dozen houses, built for people of means and taste-a rare combination. All but two are located in the northwest, and each immerses you in the natural beauty of its site and its inner serenity. (Michael Webb is the book reviewer for LA Architect magazine.)