Beda Achermann and Alfredo Haberli (eds)
Haberli is one of today’s most innovative and successful Swiss designers, noted for combining functionality with playful charm. This book breaks new ground in the representation of design: Swiss artists such as Shirana Shahbazi and Walter Pfeiffer stage his works, the interplay of photography and design making Haberli’s objects visible in new and unusual ways. Birkhäuser Verlag. ISBN 9783764380823. Hardback. $107.
R Klanten, et al (eds)
Intellectually rigorous and iconoclastic, Swiss designers are carving a niche in a new graphic language by combining traditional high quality ‘Swiss style’ with advanced media. Experimental, playful and humorous, they also maintain the minimalist approach and precision that gives Swiss design its universally recognised trademark. Die Gestalten Verlag. ISBN 3899551605. Hardback. $135.
Rhona Warwick (ed)
There have been many attempts to clean up Glasgow’s Gorbals area since its development in the 19th century. This latest initiative, in which twenty artists worked with architects, developers and the community in creating permanent and temporary projects, provides an insight into the shifts happening in architecture and public art practice. Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772544. Paperback. $65.
Martin Kunz
The best designed beach hotels from around the world, with stunning pictures and complete addresses and information. All the hotels are within earshot of the sound of waves and cover a wide range of landscapes from northern Australia to South America, from Scandinavia to South Africa. AVedition. ISBN 3899860780. Hardback. $68.
Maritn Kunz
Kitsch-free romantic getaways from around the world for travellers looking for sensuous holidays and the best in honeymoon hotels. With more than 200 colour photographs and texts that illuminate the special features for each hotel, this is an essential guide to the best in modern hotels. AVedition. ISBN 3899860756. Hardback. $68.
Martin Kunz
This updated volume of the successful Best Designed Wellness Hotels series offers a seductive view of hotels in the cities and countryside of North and South America. From the Caribbean Islands to the Mojave Coast, from the wine regions of California to the end of the world in Patagonia, this is an indispensable guide to the region. AVedition. ISBN 3899860586. Hardback. $68.
Frame Publishers eds
Bon Appetit reveals the secrets of restaurant design with an exclusive look at restaurant interiors. It presents restaurants from around the world, from influential design firms such as Karim Rashid as well as newcomers such as Jason Caroline Design. A provocative mix of fast food excess (McDonald’s, Milan) and gourmet minimalism (Nuba, Barcelona). Birkhäuser Verlag. ISBN 9783764377700. Hardback. $115.
Krystyna Wasserman
More than 100 examples of artists’ books designed by women, including artists such as Meret Oppenheim and Kara Walker and book artists’ such as Susan King and Ruth Laxson. Descriptions of the works are accompanied by colourful illustrations and reflections by their makers, as well as an introduction by the famous US book artists Audrey Niffenegger. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 1568986092. Hardback. $110.
Rudiger Lainer et al eds
Research and preliminary design work gathered during an architectural field trip to Brazil is reflected in another design project. From the highly planned high-rise modernist towers of Brasilia to the organically structured favelas of Sao Paulo, Brazil offers complex historical, cultural and social contexts for framing architectural experimentation. Springer Verlag. ISBN 3211321926. Paperback. $63.50.
Richard Hall (ed)
This book examines the built identity of Swiss Re, one of the leading reinsurance companies in the world. Bothe Richter Teherani, Meili und Peter, Norman Foster, Tilla Theus, Silvio Schmed, Schnebli Amann Menz, and Stücheli und Partner provide fascinating perspectives on how the firm’s corporate culture came to architectural expression. Birkhäuser Verlag. ISBN 9783764379827. Hardback. $105.
Per Arnoldi
For more than 10 years the celebrated artist Per Arnoldi has been working together with architect Norman Foster. Arnoldi’s contributions range from posters to targeted chromatic interventions in interior spaces to the total ‘chromatic concept’ for a massive new structure. A systematic and detailed documentation of this entire collaborative spectrum. Birkhäuser Verlag. ISBN 3764375035. Hardback. $112.
Ulrich Bachmann
A team of Germany’s greatest graphic designers and artists (as well as musicians and filmmakers) has put together an unprecedented exploration of the nature of colour. Aspects of colour perception can be explored interactively in a virtual experimental laboratory. A tool for designers, illustrators and anyone else who thinks about colour. Verlag Niggli. ISBN 3721205774. Hardback. $105.
R Klanten
From the editors of Pictoplasma and Pictoplasma 2, an up-to-date survey of personalities and characters that have entered the third dimension: vinyl figures, plush dolls, designer toys and action figures. The figures may appear cute and cuddly but are often explicit, subversive and politically incorrect, drawing on pop culture, graffiti and visual art. Die Gestalten Verlag. ISBN 3899551613. Hardback. $120.
Peter Bilak & Stuart Bailey
Independent art/design publication which began life as a graphic design magazine, but whose content has gradually widened to cover art, music, language, film and literature. Covers a wide variety of inventive critical writing on all aspects of culture. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 9789077620069. Paperback. $33.50.
Michel Chanaud and Patrick Morin (eds)
Latest instalment of the quarterly magazine Étapes: international caters to all those involved in visual creation and communication. Each issue features articles on a wide range of topics from typography to graphic design. An essential reading instrument for getting a better view of international trends in graphic design. Birkhäuser Verlag. ISBN 23501700950. Paperback. $56.50.
FriendsWithYou
Miami-based artists’ collective FriendsWithYou have been aptly described as being ‘like Snow White on acid’. Their modest mission is to spread an intelligent slant on the world with a vision of whimsical, childlike magic and to spread truths and myths to the world through their videos, interactive installations, paintings, toys and animation films. Die Gestalten Verlag. ISBN 389955163X. Hardback. $120.
Christian Schittich (ed)
A new enlarged edition of this essential reference work on building skins. Focusing on the wide-ranging aspects of facade design, from the selection and use of materials to the advanced technical possibilities now open to the architect. All plans, details and large-scale sections of the facades have been researched with the usual thoroughness. Birkhäuser Verlag. ISBN 3764376406. Hardback. $147.50.
Kate Bush (ed)
A collection of some of the greatest European photographers of the 20th century, including Brassaï, Robert Doisneau and Wolfgang Tillmans. Capturing some of the key events in Europe’s history, these images of hope and despair illuminate the political and social changes that shape and are shaped by individual lives. A ‘subjective documentary’ through the camera’s eye. Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772579. Hardback. $95.
Jo Franzke and Magnus Kaminiarz
A monograph of a slightly different kind, in which the work of Jo Franzke Architects is analysed by well-known architectural critics. Franzke’s architecture is noted for its simplicity, manifested by the emphasis on solid workmanship and attractive details. Jo Franzke Architects is becoming a global player without sacrificing its rational approach and sense of perfection. Springer Verlag. ISBN 9783211297629. Paperback. $87.50.
Christoph Mackler
Situated on an island in the river Main in Frankfurt is the renowned exhibition hall for contemporary art, Portikus. This documentation of the redevelopment of the area and the architectural design of the new construction shows how it was built in accordance with the history of the place and follows the typology of the mediaeval houses of Frankfurt. Verlag Niggli. ISBN 3721206029. Paperback. $60.
Victoria Woodcock, et al (eds)
A craft book for the 21st century, filled with exciting and inspirational ideas to make at home, ranging from felted tea-cosies to knitted iPod covers. Explanations of the basic skills of knitting, crocheting, sewing, felting and papier mache are included as well as a collection of over 50 ideas for things that people can make in their own home. Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772617. Paperback. $55.
Max Bottini
The works of artist Max Bottini deal with the everyday occurrence of eating. He develops projects that deal with the natural and social aspects of eating. Bottini’s food-based installations offer a sensuous experience to all those who share his interest in the cultural meanings of food. Verlag Niggli. ISBN 372120557X. Paperback. $35.
Moritz Zwimpfer
With Niggli’s Colour Calendar every day gains its own special colour. There are no rules for the sequence of colours, subtle colour shifts alternate with stark contrasts. The poetry of colour from day to day, a whole year long. The appendix comprises an overview 2007/2008, Pantone codes of the 365 colours and blank pages for notes. Verlag Niggli. ISBN 3721205855. Paperback. $45.
Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey
Dublin-based architects O?Donnell + Tuomey have brought a wealth of exciting buildings to Ireland and their striking modernist works show an appreciation for Ireland’s rich cultural identity without resorting to gables and slate. This first monograph on the firm presents fifteen of their residential and institutional projects. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 1568986017. Paperback. $79.5.
Zoren Gold and Minori Murakami
The Tokyo-based photography art duo Zoren Gold and Minori Murakami translate their love of photography and art into spellbinding imagery by exploring free forms of photographic expression. Combining photography, illustration, collage, graphic design and handmade props they create fantasy worlds that are sensual and seductive. Die Gestalten Verlag. ISBN 3899551737. Hardback. $95.
Museum für Gestaltung Zürich (eds)
Icons of the history of poster design such as Max Huber and Walter Ballmer are emblematic of those Swiss designers who, between 1948 and 1970, went south to work in Milan. Swiss graphic artists encountered a new and inspiring attitude and the transalpine dialogue that resulted influenced Italy’s path to a widely admired form of visual communication. Lars Müller Publishers. ISBN 3037780797. Paperback. $50.
S Angeessens
Fifty international visual artists have been commissioned to ‘remaster’ artistic masterpieces from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance through to the twentieth century. The transformations by artists and designers such as Kenzo Minami, Vincent Skeltis and Mika Machida result in reinterpretations infused with energy, expressive imagery and insightful wit. Die Gestalten Verlag. ISBN 3899551648. Hardback. $135.
Martin Gasser
Rene Machler has earned international recognition as one of the most outstanding representatives of concrete photography, only now slowly gaining public awareness as a self-contained form of photographic art. In addition to early camera works, this volume presents a comprehensive selection of Machler’s photograms since the 1960s.Verlag Niggli. ISBN 3721205936. Hardback. $105.
Lucy Andrew, et al
Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of architects RMJM, this book sets out the workings of the practice form the inside out (the unique combination of personalities and cultures that RMJM embraces) and from the outside in (exploring their client relations). It also assesses the impact of the visual arts and technology on their designs. Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772595. Paperback. $65.
Wolf Prix ed
Young architects are reinterpreting the traditional ideas of the baroque and putting them in a new context. Featuring the work of seven young architecture offices and two student projects from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, this book demonstrates an Austrian tradition in architecture: a collective desire to celebrate space. Springer Verlag. ISBN 3211310282. Paperback. $41.50.
Adam Hubertus
The Swiss landscape architects Rotzler Krebs Partner specialise in the planning and design of urban open spaces, parks and gardens. A selection of their projects are presented in detail including the temporary installation Tanzende Ellipsen (Dancing Ellipses). Illustrations by the photographic artist Annelies Strba enriche the publication. Verlag Niggli. ISBN 3721205952. Paperback. $105.
Nadine Olonetzky
From the Garden of Eden to the Hanging Gardens to the Gazebo-Berg at the World Fair in Japan and MVRDV’s Hanging Garden II, every stage in the history of the garden is detailed and illustrated in this beautiful and compact work. Nadine Olonetzky has combined erudition and research with an insatiable curiosity for the history and meanings of gardens. Birkhäuser Verlag. ISBN 3764376236. Hardback. $69.50.
Pedro Alonzo and Peter Doroshenko (eds)
An international survey of recent contemporary urban art by independent curator Pedro Alonzo and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art Director Peter Doroshenko. Bringing together established artists and heroes from the street art scene, the editors discover parallels between these two often entirely separate art worlds. Die Gestalten Verlag. ISBN 3899551745. Paperback. $80.
Margaret Hooks
Patron and promoter of surrealism and the surrealists Edward James left England in the 1940s for Los Angeles and the colony of artists that included Man Ray and Noguchi. After settling in Mexico he created the remarkable Las Pozas, a surreal masterpiece. Margaret Hooks’ text is enhanced with photographs by Sally Mann, Michael Schuyt and others. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 1568986122. Hardback. $79.50.
Dung Ngo
Seattle-based architect Tom Kundig is inspired by the industrial structures of the Pacific Northwest and the craft cultures that are fostered there. His buildings meld industrial sensibilities with an intuitive understanding of scale. This selection of five of his projects presents them in detail, form their early conceptual sketches to their final intimate details. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 156898605X. Paperback. $79.50.
Conway Morgan
The best in international trade fair design from around the world selected by Conway Morgan who visited fairs in Detroit, Bologna, Paris, Amsterdam, Basel, Berlin, Munich, Hanover, Frankfurt, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The world’s only annual of the trade fair industry. AVedition. ISBN 3899860721. Paperback. $160.
R Klanten et al eds
A state-of-the-art visual encyclopedia on the current state and evolution of logo design, one of the most crucial and challenging tasks in graphic design. Tres Logos demonstrates how influences from illustration and street art have become increasingly evident in logo design through thousands of thematically linked examples. Die Gestalten Verlag. ISBN 3899551583. Hardback. $120.
Moshe Safdie
This Holocaust Memorial by architect Moshe Safdie, a student of Louis Kahn, is 175 meters long and bores like a triangular beam through the Mount of Remembrance. The museum, its architecture and its series of interior spaces with their carefully designed exhibition facilities are documented in an in-depth photo essay, illustrated with texts and plans. Lars Müller Publishers. ISBN 3037780703. Hardback. $115.
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