|
|
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptional insight into Bar & Club design and culture, 6 May 2002
This is a rare treat for those who consider themselves as enthusiasts towards the cocktail and bar scene. Bethan Ryder, the author of 'Bar and Club Design, is no stranger to the delights of innovative interior design, as she is a regular columnist for theme (Bar & Restaurant Style), but as also contributed to: Space magazine (the Guardian), Arena, I-D, Elle Decoration, FX, Interiors for Architects & Designers, Sleeper (hotel design) and CLASS (bar culture) - so your in safe hands then.This 210 illustrated book is jam packed with snaps of the weird and wonderful, which is a great reference for those in the business, interior design/ architecture or if you just have a keen interest. Supported by stunning photography, it's a splendid presentation of a recent craze in design and a shift in culture, where the heritage and background towards this fetish is also analysed in a 'socio-historic context', in a sufficient manner that it deserves your attention. Features Bars, Restaurant Bars, Hotel Bars and Clubs, a huge variety of venues are chosen and treated as individual case studies, so you can get the most from it. I personally found it user friendly, with a stylistic layout that you'd come to expect. It didn't try to be something that it's not, as the author's use of tone demonstrates her intentions to engross the reader, but not to come across as the bible-to-bar-and-club-culture-wannabe. It may broaden your view of a culture that as usually been an underground revolution to date, but over the last few years it has stamped its mark thanks to the visions of its owners, the creativity of the architects/ designers and definately to such people as Ms. Ryder, who supply the exposure that they deserve. Inspirational - thought provoking.
|