10 architecture and design books to get your hands on

You may either choose to display these literary marvels as coffee-table books or save them for an educational bedtime read. These volumes full to the brim with the best in the world of architecture and design, paired with beautiful imagery, will not fail to impress you. Here, we have put together 10 of our favourite recent releases that would be precious additions to your library.

1. Material Innovation Architecture by Andrew H Dent & Leslie Sherr

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

The volume explores different and innovative substances that are transforming architecture practices. It has dedicated chapters on using glass and ceramics, altered naturals, high performance composites, digitally fabricated metals and polymer films in projects around the world. We love Cooper Union designed by Thom Mayne of Morphosis. Its external facade is made from aluminium and glass and it is also the only LEED certified academic institution in New York.

2. The Architecture of IM Kadri by Kaiwan Mehta

Publisher: Niyogi Books

If you stay in or have visited Mumbai, you have probably passed by or fleetingly caught a glimpse of the iconic Nehru Centre in Worli. This landmark structure is the handiwork of distinguished city based architect Iftikhar M Kadri. The recently released exhaustive monograph gives a detailed insight into the methods, designs, drawings and thought processes employed by the genius in bringing to life brick and mortar edifices.

3.  Architectural Inventions: Visionary Drawings by Michael Darling

Publisher: Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego

The book compiles the work of artists from the website DrawingBuilding.org. The conceptual sketches provide radical solutions for a better life. For instance in the Technosustainable section, Vincent Callebaut Architectures suggests Hydrogenase, an airship with algae that can recycle carbon dioxide for use as fuel.

4. Le Corbusier: Ideas and Forms by William JR Curtis

Publisher: Phaidon

The legendary architect’s principles form today’s foundation of modern design. The tome, with the help of various projects, such as the Villa Savoye in Paris, seeks to explain his style and method.

5. Atlas of World Landscape Architecture by Markus Sebastian Braun and Chris van Uffelen

Publisher: Braun

The tome compiles the best outdoor and indoor areas from across the globe. From private gardens to office complexes, these provide ecologically intact living environs for its inhabitants. We would love to visit Fatih Forest, Istanbul that merges Japanese and Ottomon park layout styles.

6. Timeless Resorts: Stapati by Sujith GS

Publisher: ORO Editions

The chronicle features selected works of architecture firm Stapati founded

in 1989 by Bengaluru based maestro Tony Joseph. The monograph delves into the materials used for building the edifices and the characteristics of each project. The information is supported by breathtaking visuals of these havens built in tandem with the environment.

7. Bright 2: Architectural Illuminations and Light Installations by Carmel McNamara and Ana Martins

Publisher: Frame

Putting together some of the finest humankind has to offer in terms of lighting structures, the second installment in the Bright series takes you on a world tour to showcase these design marvels. The book is sectioned into three categories: Dynamic, interactive and static illuminations. Each division covers various projects in detail that includes notes on how they were set up, challenges faced during the process and a description of the artist and their previous works.

8. Studio Piet Boon

Publisher: Terra

This publication showcases the work of Dutch creative Piet Boon, featuring an assortment of restaurants, apartments, villas and more. The high aesthetic quality of this coffee-table book vis a vis its attention to detail sets it apart from others of its kind. We were especially mesmerised by the cosy residence in the French Alps and the enchanting canal house in Amsterdam.

9. Mario Bellini: Furniture, Machines & Objects by Enrico Morteo

Publisher: Phaidon

The tome presents the reader with a curated and organised selection of the finest works of the Italian creative Mario Bellini for decor brands such as Cassina, Meritalia, Vitra, etc. Each of the articles are broken down and explained with form and function, supported with exhaustive images, including those of the inspirations behind them. We admire the Olivetti TCV 250 video terminal made in 1966 that integrates a keyboard and monitor into the work desk.

10. Shigeru Ban: Humanitarian Architecture

Publisher: Aspen Art Press and Distributed Art Publishers

The book brings to life the Japanese visionary’s work for victims of natural calamities like the Bhuj earthquake in 2002. It also features essays written by architecture experts and Ban’s interviews that paint a complete picture of his altruistic philosophy.

Books available at: CMYK, Good Earth Store, RaghuvanshiMills Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai 13. Tel: (022) 24951954

CMYK at Crossword Bookstores Limited, Mohammedbhai Mansion, NS Patkar Marg, Kemps Corner, Mumbai 26. Tel: (022) 66272103

Art and Design Bookstore, Ramnini Mandlik Rd, Colaba, Mumbai 01. Tel: (022) 22822211

Amazon India, www.amazon.in

Niyogi Books, D78, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi 20. Tel: (011) 26816301