Light Construction
Transparency and luminescence have reemerged in the vocabulary of architecture, and light and “lightness” have become key concepts for a significant number of contemporary architects, as well as artists who create installations. Recent work by these designers recalls the use of transparent materials in early modern structures, but they have introduced new ideas and technical solutions. In doing so, they have redefined the relationship between the observer and the structure by interposing elements that both veil and illuminate. In this architecture of lightness, buildings become intangible, structures shed their weight and facades become unstable, dissolving into an often luminous evanescence.

The 33 projects illustrated in this book exemplify this emerging sensibility, which is examined in a penetrating essay by Terence Riley, chief curator of the department of architecture and design at The Museum of Modern Art, that places the new work in a broad historic and cultural perspective. More than 30 architects are represented in this international selection, and it includes a broad range of building types, scales and technologies, from the small Leisure Studio created by a group of young Finnish architects to Renzo Piano's enormous Kansai International Airport in Japan. Also shown are the Goetz Collection in Munich by Herzog & de Meuron, the Fondation Cartier in Paris by Jean Nouvel, the ITM Building in Matsuyama, Japan, by Toyo Ito, and a set design by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. Each project includes a description by Terence Riley or Anne Dixon.
1000280534
Light Construction
Transparency and luminescence have reemerged in the vocabulary of architecture, and light and “lightness” have become key concepts for a significant number of contemporary architects, as well as artists who create installations. Recent work by these designers recalls the use of transparent materials in early modern structures, but they have introduced new ideas and technical solutions. In doing so, they have redefined the relationship between the observer and the structure by interposing elements that both veil and illuminate. In this architecture of lightness, buildings become intangible, structures shed their weight and facades become unstable, dissolving into an often luminous evanescence.

The 33 projects illustrated in this book exemplify this emerging sensibility, which is examined in a penetrating essay by Terence Riley, chief curator of the department of architecture and design at The Museum of Modern Art, that places the new work in a broad historic and cultural perspective. More than 30 architects are represented in this international selection, and it includes a broad range of building types, scales and technologies, from the small Leisure Studio created by a group of young Finnish architects to Renzo Piano's enormous Kansai International Airport in Japan. Also shown are the Goetz Collection in Munich by Herzog & de Meuron, the Fondation Cartier in Paris by Jean Nouvel, the ITM Building in Matsuyama, Japan, by Toyo Ito, and a set design by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. Each project includes a description by Terence Riley or Anne Dixon.
24.95 In Stock
Light Construction

Light Construction

Light Construction

Light Construction

Paperback

$24.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

Transparency and luminescence have reemerged in the vocabulary of architecture, and light and “lightness” have become key concepts for a significant number of contemporary architects, as well as artists who create installations. Recent work by these designers recalls the use of transparent materials in early modern structures, but they have introduced new ideas and technical solutions. In doing so, they have redefined the relationship between the observer and the structure by interposing elements that both veil and illuminate. In this architecture of lightness, buildings become intangible, structures shed their weight and facades become unstable, dissolving into an often luminous evanescence.

The 33 projects illustrated in this book exemplify this emerging sensibility, which is examined in a penetrating essay by Terence Riley, chief curator of the department of architecture and design at The Museum of Modern Art, that places the new work in a broad historic and cultural perspective. More than 30 architects are represented in this international selection, and it includes a broad range of building types, scales and technologies, from the small Leisure Studio created by a group of young Finnish architects to Renzo Piano's enormous Kansai International Airport in Japan. Also shown are the Goetz Collection in Munich by Herzog & de Meuron, the Fondation Cartier in Paris by Jean Nouvel, the ITM Building in Matsuyama, Japan, by Toyo Ito, and a set design by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. Each project includes a description by Terence Riley or Anne Dixon.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780870701290
Publisher: The Museum of Modern Art
Publication date: 04/02/2004
Pages: 164
Product dimensions: 8.92(w) x 10.60(h) x 0.63(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

Table of Contents

Foreword6
Introduction7
Light Construction9
Projects33
Van Valkenburgh: Radcliffe Ice Walls34
Johnson: Ghost House36
Sejima: Saishunkan Seiyaku Women's Dormitory38
Maki: Congress Center44
Thanhauser and Esterson: Definitions Fitness Center 248
Herzog and de Meuron: Goetz Collection50
Nouvel: Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art54
Ito: ITM Building60
Van Berkel: ACOM Office Building66
Holl: D. E. Shaw and Company Offices68
Herzog and de Meuron: Signal Box auf dem Wolf72
Zumthor: Kunsthaus Bregenz74
Wolf: ABN-AMRO Head Office Building78
Kaakko, Laine, Liimatainen, Tirkkonen: Leisure Studio82
Graham: Two-Way Mirror Cylinder inside Cube86
Tschumi: Glass Video Gallery88
Grimshaw: Waterloo International Terminal92
Abalos and Herreros: Municipal Gymnasium98
Yazdani: CineMania Theatre102
Williams and Tsien: The World Upside Down104
Gehry: Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum106
Piano: Kansai International Airport110
Ito: Shimosuwa Municipal Museum118
Sanders: Kyle Residence124
Gigon and Guyer: Kirchner Museum Davos126
Williams and Tsien: Phoenix Art Museum Sculpture Pavilion130
Ito: Tower of the Winds132
Adams: Bus Shelter IV134
Gould: Floor Plan136
Holl: Helsinki Museum of Contemporary Art138
Foster: Business Promotion Center144
Ortner and Ortner: Museum of Modern Art148
Koolhaas: Two Patio Villas152
Project Information156
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews