Alsop, William and Jan Stormer (Architectural Monographs) [Hardcover]

3 architectural concepts of big buildings illustrated by photos mostly in color presenting many models, hand sketches, and also relatively few and small plans, sections, elevations, hard line axonometric views, though drawn and all published very well; text only up to page 21.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Reviews the position of Alsop and Störmer as one of Europe's leading architectural practices. Alsop's developmental paintings are featured throughout and tell of the organic processes involved, of the goal to create space that is indeterminant.

SYNOPSIS:

The position of Alsop & Störmer as one of Europe's leading architectural practices was established firmly in 1990 with their innovative competition-winning scheme for the Hotel du Departement, Marseilles. Entering international competitions on a regular basis has engendered a keen interest for the firm in Europe, where Alsop was involved in collaborative work with European architects Jean Nouvel, Massimiliano Fuksas and Otto Steidle on the Tower Project for Herouville St Clair. The firm's design philosophy believes in keeping a completely open mind about what architecture is. This is reflected in the recent 'family' of projects presented here which are accompanied by incisive texts: the National Centre for Literature, Swansea, the World Trade Centre, Nuremberg, and Kaufhaus des Nordens - the department store in Hamburg. It is significant that for Alsop the process of architectural design emerges initially through painting, a medium which allows him to explore in an unrestricted way the essence of a concept - abandoning the traditional approach chastened by the plan. This idiosyncratic method allows the concept to breathe and interact with its context. It can convey energy, texture and colour. Alsop's developmental paintings are featured throughout and tell of the organic process involved, of the goal to create space that is indeterminate: transcending the confines of architecture that produces a fixed environment, of buildings that cannot be adapted. A high profile UK architectural practice with a growing reputation especially in Europe. Presents in detail three recent exciting projects. Contains stunning illustrations that show organic design process. Authoritative texts outline the open approach of Alsop and Stormer which transcends the fixed architectural environment.

CONTENTS

FUNCTION FOLLOWS FORM? by Michael Spens 6

ARCHITECTURE VERSUS SHOPPING by Bryan Appleyard 10

TOWARDS AN ARCHITECTURE OF PRACTICAL DELIGHT by William Alsop 14

THE NATIONAL CENTRE OF LITERATURE, SWANSEA by Michael Spens 16

THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORD, SWANSEA by Mel Gooding 20

THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE, NUREMBERG by Holger Jaedicke, Chris McCarthy and Guy Battle 72

KAUFHAUS DES NORDENS, HAMBURG by Michael Spens 106

BIOGRAPHIES, SELECTED PROJECTS AND AWARDS 144