Архитектура

Utilitarian simplicity and graceful beauty

The inspirational vision of Jean Prouvé

French architect and designer Jean Prouvé (1901–1984) was one of the most important constructors of the 20th century. Prouvé’s design innovations included cleverly-shaped metal parts for building prefabricated structures; he designed buildings and furniture that could be produced with economy of labor and material and efficiency in use, while maintaining high technical standards and quality materials. His simple and elegant style, while born from the desire for inexpensive production, has become an imitable aesthetic and has earned him a position as one of the century’s most influential designers.

This introduction to Prouvé’s work gives a profound insight into the variety of his œuvre and the progressiveness of his inspirational vision.

About the Series:
Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Architecture Series features:

an introduction to the life and work of the architect
the major works in chronological order
information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions
a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings
approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts and plans)

The editor:
Peter Gössel runs an agency for museum and exhibition design. For TASCHEN he published monographs on Julius Shulman, R.M. Schindler, John Lautner and Richard Neutra as well as several titles in the Basic Architecture Series.

The author:
Nils Peters studied art history at the University of Hamburg, architecture at TFH Berlin, and urban sociology at Columbia University in New York. He has taught, published, and exhibited on the subject of architecture and has had his own practice since 1998.

Shapes of Things to Come. Jean Prouvé’s economical elegance

French architect and designer Jean Prouvé innovated crisp, economical construction designs, marrying inexpensive materials and mass production with aesthetic elegance and technical brilliance. His simple, graceful style is an inimitable expression of midcentury innovation, expansion, and growth, and secured his place as one of the century’s most influential designers.

French-born Jean Prouvé (1901–1984) was the 20th century’s leading construction designer, a self-declared constructeur and member of the jury who oversaw the design of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. As a designer, he captured the midcentury spirit of innovation, expansion, and growth, developing techniques that united simple, striking aesthetics with practical, cost-effective materials and assembly.

From vast, temporary exhibition marquees to handheld letter openers, modular building systems to interior lighting, Prouvé’s designs efficiently fitted their function with minimal fuss and understated elegance. Feted by designers, architects, and engineers the world over, Prouvé has left a rich and inspirational legacy, which resonates perfectly with the approach of this compact volume, neatly summarizing his life and works.

The author:

Nils Peters studied art history at the University of Hamburg, architecture at TFH Berlin, and urban sociology at Columbia University in New York. He has taught, published, and exhibited on the subject of architecture and has had his own practice since 1998.

The editor:

Peter Gössel runs an agency for museum and exhibition design. He has published TASCHEN monographs on Julius Shulman, R. M. Schindler, John Lautner, and Richard Neutra, as well as several titles in the Basic Architecture series.

About the series:

Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. 

Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Architecture series features:

- an introduction to the life and work of the architect
- the major works in chronological order
- information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions
- a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings
- approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts, and plans)

Provence is a garden of earthly delights that provides a constant stream of satisfaction for the senses of sight, scent and taste. Provençal Escapes celebrates 22 beautiful homes in the region. Decorative styles differ, varying from the cosy romanticism of restored stone farm buildings to the clean simplicity of pared-down modern style; from the traditional elegance of a small chateau to the intriguing eclecticism of a tiny holiday retreat overlooking the sparkling sea of the Côte d'Azur. But every scheme is coloured by a predominantly rural lifestyle and the natural elements, and above all by the region's character. An irresistible book for all those seduced by the Provençal way of life.

Now in paperback, the book showcases 22 beautiful homes in Provence and the Côte d'Azur that embody the spirit of their location and the people who live in them.

Inspired by the sun-drenched colors of southern France, french country, or provencal, decorating is the epitome of understated luxury, as fitting in the city and suburbs as in rural reaches. No matter that it's roots are firmly planted in the small stone farmhouse, or mas, the typical dwelling in the provencal region. It is eqaully appealing in a remote chateau as in a stately manor house, or bastide. The most inviting homes exude comfort,tradition, and grace. Most people, though, say it is charm that best characterizes the french interior. Through stunning photographs, informative text, and an extensive resource list, provincal interiors detail everything necessary for creating this harmonious mingling in america.

This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey from the ancient sites in Orange to the university town of Aix-en-Provence, from the metropolis of Marseille to the spectacular Gorges du Verdon. In each chapter of this book there is an overview of the area with a reliable street map, lots of large, colour pictures, and texts that describe the history, geography, art, culture, and lifestyle of the area. The reader sees and experiences how Romanesque culture lives on through monasteries and churches and the Provencal landscape right up to the present day. The light and colours of the plants and wildlife blend into a unique panorama which inspired the special colour compositions of the late Impressionists Paul Cezanne and Vincent van Gogh. The book is organised by region and includes an appendix with indices of persons and towns, rounded off with a user-friendly glossary.

In each chapter of this book there is an overview of the area with a reliable street map, lots of large, color pictures, and texts that describe the history, geography, art, culture, and lifestyle of the area. The reader sees and experiences how Romanesque culture lives on through cloisters and churches and the Provencal landscape right up to the present day. The light and colors of the plants and wildlife blend into a unique panorama which inspired the special color compositions of the late Impressionists Paul Cezanne and Vincent van Gogh. The book is organized by region and includes an appendix with indices of persons and towns, rounded off with a user-friendly glossary.

Over the centuries the outstanding beauty and distinction of Provence has attracted illustrious residents including many famous writers and artists. Today several contemporary artists have homes in Provence and many of them have applied their artistic sensibilities to the storied landscape to create exquisite gardens. Provence Artists' Gardens presents twenty-one resplendent gardens styled by the adept minds and hands of artists. Their gardens take many forms: Jean Claude Farhi and Bernar Venet have created sculpture parks filled with massive abstract works; sculptural silhouettes by Sacha Sosno converse with their surroundings finding their ideal setting in the verdant landscape; assemblages created by Arman seem to grow along with the palms and evergreens encircling his house; Dominique Lafourcade has designed a classic garden with rigid lines and geometric hedges. Specially commissioned photographs by Mario Ciampi capture the captivating atmosphere of each garden. Most of the gardens shown have not been published before. Text by art historian Julia Droste-Hennings traces the course of each artist’s career and explores the personal relationship each artist has with their outdoor creations. The gardens presented in this book will undoubtedly inspire amateur and professional gardeners alike.

People all over the world are fascinated by Provence. It is the untamed Roman provincia, stretching from the crags of Vaucluse and undulating fields of lavender to fishing villages on the Mediterranean. From the whitewashed buildings of the Camargue to the mighty castles of the troubadour trail, Provence is an authentic mirror of the Mediterranean spirit and joie de vivre.

This study is the first to illustrate so many different Provençal interiors. They range from the private apartments of a duchess to a beekeeper's home, from an art collector's stud farm to the brightly-painted weekend retreat of a sculptor, from a jolly gypsy wagon to a monastery renovated in minimalist style.

Prominent personalities such as Christine Picasso and Ewa Truffaut and the artist Arman opened their doors to make possible a book which provides an unmatched, intimate view of Provence, revealing a world behind otherwise closed doors.

Icons Series

Traverse a wordless cross-section of Provence images, each as lovely as one would imagine in one`s dreams, together painting a vivid mosaic of Provençal living.

Traverse a wordless cross-section of Provence images, each as lovely as one would imagine in one's dreams, together painting a vivid mosaic of Provençal living.

This beautifully illustrated volume brings the essence of Provence to home decor. Nothing about a true provencal house is accidental. The stone for the walls is faded by centuries of sun, the fabrics for table or bed come from local designers working in a centuries old tradition, the pottery and glasses to eat and drink from are the product of local craftsmen. This celebrated way of life is a result of the work of hundreds of artisans who still produce the elements of a home in the traditional ways.

Indoors and out, readers will find here the elements to bring the style of the south of France into their own homes, from furniture to textiles and fabrics, and from faience pottery to beautiful metalwork. Also covered are architectural elements including stairways, railings, floors, moldings, fireplaces, chimneys, roofs and ceilings. And for the outdoors -- gardens, walls and patios.

Combining history with details of the methods of craftsmen, and inspirational photography with practical details Provence Style celebrates the true French country style that is perennially popular, a style that is at once rustic and sophisticated, and both traditional and elegant. Not all provencal houses are alike of course, and this book goes into detail about the best way to decorate a range of houses from grand villas to country houses, and from small cottages to houses in town. Each section of the book shows a variety of authentic approaches to different house types which can be applied here to bring the charm of a sun drenched provencal room to any house.

Evocative and engaging, this glorious book is an exciting showcase and an original source of gardening inspiration – over twenty Provençal gardens styled by the minds and hands of artists.

• Jean-Claude Farhi and Bernar Venet have created sculpture parks with massive abstract works
• Sculptural silhouettes by Sacha Sosno frame their own landscape
• Assemblages created by Arman seem to grow along with the palms encircling his house
• Dominique Lafourcade has designed spaces that take inspiration from classic Italian gardens with geometric lines and hedges.

Droste-Hennings’s text traces the course of each artist’s career and explores the personal relationship each has with their creations.

This book is compiled by the latest foreign designs, is divided into six categories, including government buildings, arts and culture, public space, recreation, business services, public services.

Their common feature is the architectural style of vivid and unique, ingenuity, eclectic with a variety of architectural practices; simultaneously beautiful and elegant, and strong momentum, with irresistible temptation; drawn more widely. 

A selection of the United States, Spain the latest, the most outstanding works of South Korea, Canada, France, Belgium, New Zealand, Japan, Slovakia, Turkey and other countries, trying to provide a reference design workers during municipal architectural design.

Contemporary goes Mainstream

We tend to divide buildings into two basic categories - private structures such as houses, and public buildings like railway stations, concert halls or museums. Public buildings have limits of their own: whether a courthouse or an airport, a stadium or college campus, questions of style, function or cost are clearly posed. Resolving such tensions is just one of many serious questions that arise when the definition of public architecture is at stake. This book explores the most creative responses to these and related issues, and shows how in recent years, public architecture has undergone a tremendous upheaval, an aesthetic awakening of sorts.

Where solidly classical and staid designs were the norm, aesthetic daring and innovation are now increasingly rewarded, as celebrated architects from Herzog & de Meuron to Jean Nouvel have blazed a trail for a new generation of truly public buildings - structures that combine access for the many, with quality once reserved for the few. Public Architecture Now! highlights the groundbreaking and breathtaking new public architecture now appearing around the world, from Spain to Norway, via Chile, China and the USA.

Featured architects and practices include: 3XN, Adjaye Associates, Aires Mateus, Stan Allen, AllesWirdGut, Tadao Ando, Paul Andreu, ARM, Arup Associates, Assadi + Pulido, Atelier Oslo / AWP, Auer+Weber+Assoziierte, b720 Arquitectos, Behnisch Architekten, Bruno Fioretti Marquez, Santiago Calatrava, Cannon Design, CEBRA, David Chipperfield, Coop Himmelb(l)au, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, EMBT – Miralles / Tagliabue, Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas, Frank O. Gehry, Nicholas Grimshaw, Herzog & de Meuron, Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden, Toyo Ito, Taiji Kawano, Marcio Kogan, Kuehn Malvezzi, Line and Space, Localarchitecture, Lundgaard & Tranberg, Fumihiko Maki, Michael Maltzan, Francisco Mangado, Giancarlo Mazzanti, MGM Arquitectos, Rafael Moneo, Moneo Brock Studio, Alberto Nicolau, Jean Nouvel, ONL, Perkins Eastman, Dominique Perrault, Plan B Arquitectos + JPRCR Architects, Rojkind Arquitectos, Álvaro Siza Vieira, Substance, Tidy Architects, UNStudio / Van Berkel & Bos, Vicens + Ramos, Makoto Sei Watanabe, René van Zuuk

The author:

Philip Jodidio studied art history and economics at Harvard, and edited Connaissance des Arts for over 20 years. His books include TASCHEN's Architecture Now! series, and monographs on Tadao Ando, Norman Foster, Richard Meier, Jean Nouvel, and Zaha Hadid. He is internationally renowned as one of the most popular writers on the subject of architecture.

Public Architecture: The Art Inside spans the 30 year history of Denver, Colorado-based Fentress Architects, an international design firm that passionately pursues the creation of sustainable and iconic public architecture. This monograph examines the creative working process, tracing artistic influences and references fashion, poetry, music, dance and related disciplines. Fentress is internationally known for an innovative, award-winning design portfolio of international airports, national museums, world-class convention centers, courthouses and government buildings, high-rise office and mixed use towers, laboratories, higher education facilities, and luxury multi-family residences.

About the Authors:

Curtis Fentress was born in North Carolina, and graduated with honors from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. After leaving a position with I.M. Pei, Fentress joined the newly formed firm Kohn Pedersen Fox to continue his pursuit of large-scale public projects while striving to bring humanism to civic buildings. In the late 1970s, KPF sent him to Denver as project designer for a 36-story tower in Denver. In 1980, Building Design and Construction magazine named Fentress “Young Professional of the Year.” Also that year, Fentress founded his own firm and later was awarded the opportunity to design Denver International Airport, which propelled him into the international realm. DIA, Incheon International Airport and numerous museums, convention centers and other civic buildings have earned Fentress Architects more than 300 awards for innovation and design excellence. Curtis Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, is the 2010 winner of the American Institute of Architects’ Thomas Jefferson Award, the highest honor in public architecture worldwide.

Mary Voelz Chandler has pursued a long career writing for newspapers, magazines and books. She worked as an editor at The Miami Herald, covered the Rocky Mountain West for People magazine, and for more than 20 years was art and architecture critic for the Rocky Mountain News in Denver. Her interest in the relationship of art, architecture, preservation and people inspired coverage that has won numerous awards for reporting and criticism. A native of St. Louis, Mo., Chandler is a graduate of the journalism school at the University of Missouri.