Carlson Architects: Expanding Northwestern Regionalism

This book is a wonderful example of great architecture and forward thinking. After meeting Carlson and reading this book, the significance of his studies under Frank Gehry becomes evident. Carlson Architects possess the same dedication to innovation, material, concept, and function found in Gehry's work. The firm questions preconceived notions about the purpose of design. The solutions for Larry's Markets exhibit a wonderfully distinctive use of supermarket planning and lighting design as a whole, while each market maintains a sense of individuality. The firm dabbles in many areas of design...residential, commercial, institutional, and retail. Most of their projects are located in the firm's hometown of Seattle, WA. The book includes a comrehensive study of their most noteworthy designs, including: a naturally ventillated library, a curriously immaginative and playful preschool, Larry's Markets, Carlson's house, among others. Hand sketches, diagrams, text, photos, and computer generated images are used to illustrate the design process throughout the book. If you enjoy contemporary design, innovative use of material and light, as well as a strong conceptually-based design philosophy, this book is a great addition to your architectural library.