A visual, large-format compilation of some the finest architectural drawings from Sir John Soane's extensive collection. Architectural Drawings casts light on the magnificent architectural drawings of neo-classical architect, teacher and collector, Sir John Soane that are otherwise concealed in archives. This book, featuring artworks handpicked from what was probably the first comprehensive collection of architectural drawings in the world, numbering 30,000 at the time of his death in 1837, celebrates a life spent procuring curiosities. The collection encompasses the hands of Montano, Thorpe, Wren, Talman, Hawksmoor, Vanbrugh, Gibbs, Kent, Chambers, Adam, Clérisseau, Pêcheux, Wyatt, Playfair, Nash and, of course, Soane himself. The quality of Soane’s collection of drawings is scarcely paralleled elsewhere and on account of their fragility, these items are infrequently seen by the public. This innovative book draws together the most exquisite and important works from the collection for the first time, showing the extraordinary connoisseurship of Sir John Soane while also exploring what drove Soane to amass such a collection and the provenance of his various significant acquisitions. This book illustrates the story of Soane as a collector of architectural drawings, but a story which is not normally available to the public, and will provide a sumptuous opportunity to peruse some of the finest architectural drawings in existence.

From the golden age of American architecture comes this splendid survey, documenting scores of masterpieces built between 1900 and 1930. More than 260 illustrations include plans, sections, exterior and interior details, and photographs. A sampling of featured buildings include Lincoln Memorial, Boston Public Library, Tribune Tower, and Woolworth Building.

Courtyards are among the most versatile elements of architecture. They are non built-up but designed open spaces surrounded by a single structure, several elements, or even different buildings. In very different sizes and shapes, very private or publicly accessible, they assume central roles in every conceivable building task, capable of defining the character of the entire architectural composition. Masterpieces: Courtyard Architecture + Design shows a wide scope of creative ideas for handling this exciting but very much underrated aspect of architecture. What makes this task particular interesting is the interplay of architecture, landscape planning and interior design. The selection includes the projects of some of the most important firms as well as impressive works by upcoming stars.

"The age of multimedia constitutes a great challenge for libraries as they have to reinvent themselves to meet the constantly growing demands of digital applications. As a result, within the past decade, libraries have evolved from introverted hoards of knowledge to globally networked information and communication hubs. The architectural implementation of this transformation process has resulted in sophisticated buildings that succeed in combining impressive architecture with the complex contemporary requirements. The new edition of 'Masterpieces: Library Architecture + Design' shows that this process of transformation is far from over. Whether new building, conversion or extension, it presents new masterpieces of library design from around the world. The successful combination of contemporary architecture and cutting-edge technology is evidence that in the digital age, this type of building is as topical as never before."--Web page for this work.

Architecture has always been the faithful mirror of society's most important transformations. By the same token, modern architecture, which has broken away from established trends and has a wealth of technology at its disposal, affirms new values that cater to the psychological and spiritual progress of humanity. This innovative work's timeline starts with the end of World War II and the ensuing rift in international architecture and urban planning. Through highly informative images, the book conveys the new representative languages of the postwar era, with its need for reconstruction and its quest for a new monumentality, and examines the new trends that emerged up to the beginning of the 21st century. Photography has been used as an extraordinary medium to explore this new world of architecture, with its ethereal and sometimes colossal forms that are utterly rational and surprisingly well balanced. Essays written by experts, accompanied by high-quality photographs that perfectly capture the multifaceted spirit of modern architecture, illustrate the complex tapestry of the international movements of the 20th century, from technological expressiveness to a new modernity, investigating meg-astructures, advanced technology, postmodernism, minimalism and deconstructionism. Sprawling museums and hyperfunctional airports, enormous shopping centers and futuristic libraries, sports arenas and immense university complexes are presented - along with their brilliant creators - on this surprising journey through forms, materials, colors, ideas and symbols. The outcome is an uncommon portrait of our world and the way architecture interprets it. AUTHOR: Matteo Agnoletto, born in Modena in 1972, worked at the architectural firms of Renzo Piano and Jean Nouvel and is the cofounder of ACZ Studio di Architettura. In addition to teaching at the university level, Agnoletto writes articles for newspapers and magazines, and has been the editor in chief of Parametro from 2003 to 2008. Francesco Boccia, born in Milan in 1967, works as a freelance architect and also contributes to numerous trade periodicals. His publications include La ricostruzione virtuale del Teatro alla Scala (1996). Silvio Cassara, born in Modica in 1947, is an architect. He teaches at Italian and foreign universities, and writes for architectural journals, including Parametro. Cassara has recently organized exhibitions presenting several New York architects. His publications include Richard Meier: Recent Works (2004). Alessandra Di Marco, born in Milan 1972 is the archivist responsible for maps and photographs at CEDAT (Centro di Documentazione dell'Architettura e del Territorio) at the Polytechnic Institute of Milan. Guya Elisabetta Rosso, who was born in Vercelli in 1975, has collaborated with Piedmontese architectural firms and with the Polytechnic Institute of Milan on the development of the Territorial Coordination Plan for the Province of Mantua (2000). Marco Tagliatori, born in Turin in 1968, is a freelance architect specializing in interior design. He has also worked with the Polytechnic Institute of Turin. In 1997 he curated an exhibition on Norwegian Functionalism at Castello del Valentino in Turin. ILLUSTRATIONS: Colour