Great Building Designs 1900 Today

Examines the development of architectural design from the Flatiron and Empire State Buildings to Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Shard in London, profiles noted architects, and discusses the design process.

Examines the development of architectural design from the Flatiron and Empire State Buildings to Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Shard in London, profiles noted architects, and discusses the design process.

Discover the most amazing car designs since 1900. From the Mini Cooper to the gull-wing doors of the Mercedes 300SL, this book charts the story of design that led to some amazing machines. We look at the needs that prompted their design, the designers responsible for breaking boundaries and the technology that made them possible.

Discover the most amazing aircraft designs since 1900. From the Wright brothers' Flyer to supersonic jets, this book charts the story of design that led to some amazing machines. We look at the needs that prompted their design, the designers responsible for breaking boundaries and the technology that made them possible.

Discover the most amazing gadget designs since 1900. From the Japanese Tamagotchi to the iPhone, this book charts the story of design that led to some amazing games and gadgets. We look at the needs that prompted their design, the designers responsible for breaking boundariesand the technology that made them possible.

Buildings are not often thought of as works of art, but the process of designing them can become an art form. Architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Zaha Hadid have been internationally recognized for their innovative designs. Through engaging text and full-color photographs, readers learn about the artistic challenges these and other architects face as they attempt to blend form and function in new and exciting ways. Readers are sure to love this detailed look at a kind of art they see around them every day and a career path they can pursue if they are interested in architecture.

Once condemned by Modernism and compared to a ‘crime’ by Adolf Loos, ornament has made a spectacular return in contemporary architecture. This is typified by the works of well-known architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Sauerbruch Hutton, Farshid Moussavi Architecture and OMA. There is no doubt that these new ornamental tendencies are inseparable from innovations in computer technology. The proliferation of developments in design software has enabled architects to experiment afresh with texture, colour, pattern and topology. Though inextricably linked with digital tools and culture, Antoine Picon argues that some significant traits in ornament persist from earlier Western architectural traditions. These he defines as the ‘subjective’ – the human interaction that ornament requires in both its production and its reception – and the political. Contrary to the message conveyed by the founding fathers of modern architecture, traditional ornament was not meant only for pleasure. It conveyed vital information about the designation of buildings as well as about the rank of their owners. As such, it participated in the expression of social values, hierarchies and order. By bringing previous traditions in ornament under scrutiny, Picon makes us question the political issues at stake in today’s ornamental revival. What does it tell us about present-day culture? Why are we presently so fearful of meaning in architecture? Could it be that by steering so vehemently away from symbolism, contemporary architecture is evading any explicit contribution to collective values?

Popular Science gives our readers the information and tools to improve their technology and their world. The core belief that Popular Science and our readers share: The future is going to be better, and science and technology are the driving forces that will help make it better.

"Provides an excellent introduction as well as suggestions for using these plans to add architectural detail to your own home...an excellent bibliography."--Victorian Homes "The best home, barn and landscape designs...in a charming book....[It] contains numerous original illustrations showing a wealth of construction details, site plans and plantings."--Fine Homebuilding This classic bestseller contains the finest collection of architectural designs from a bygone era--and it's a boon for anyone hoping to construct that dream house or add charming touches to a modern one. Hundreds of illustrations from actual 19th century building plans feature architects' blueprints and drawings, full-color photos, and more. The buildings range from humble farmers' cabins to summer getaway cottages for the rich, and there's plenty of detail work, including built-in shelves, dormers, and turned balusters. With this information, an architect could easily create anything shown on the pages.