Product Description

The genius of Cecil Balmond is behind some of the world's most exciting architectural endeavours, from Anish Kapoor's gigantic sculpture Marsyas at Tate Modern to Rem Koolhaas' CCTV buildings in Beijing. Balmond is the great innovator of form and following the success of his book "Informal", now examines nature and its patterns. He looks through drawing and composition at a perception of space that has interconnected narratives. "Element" uses pattern, mathematics and advanced geometry to create an unconventional exploration of design. Balmond's narrative unfolds in three conceptual chapters - elements, pattern, nature - linked by two conceptual bridges - digital 'tectonics' and numbers. Each of these aspects relates to the others in a number of ways, leading to an invaluable insight into the design process, a highly engrossing journey through the world around us from the natural elements to the most advanced building designs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #462005 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-01
• Original language: German
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

Review
"You'll find wonderful images explaining shape and form.....It is a treat for the eyes and a challenge to the mind." --The Architectural Review, August, 2008

About the Author
The Author Cecil Balmond is deputy chairman Arup. He has collaborated with Rem Koolhaas, Philip Johnson, Daniel Libeskind and Toyo Ito, among many others. His recent projects include Penn Bridge, Philadelphia; Coimbra Footbridge, Portugal; Battersea Power Station Twist, London; and Seattle Central Library, among others. His books include informal (Prestel).

Customer Reviews

What a disappointment!
I was expecting a book filled with Cecil's ingenious engineering/architectural doodlings but instead found a glossy photo album of mostly close-ups of leaves and trees...Unless you want a catalog of stock photos in the 'nature' category DON'T BOTHER!

A cheesy exploitation of the Balmond / nature brand
Like the previous reviewer I had been very excited by the release of this book. I had read Informal by Balmond and found it inspirational - just the right balance of engineering, theory and thought-provoking concept sketches from numerous projects Balmond has been involved in. Fortunately I was in the Design Museum when I saw a copy of this book, Element, for sale. Eagerly I picked it up and started to make for the cashier, confident that I would be buying it. I started to leaf through the pages. Leaf was an appropriate verb, because, as the previous reviewer said, this book contains a lot of stock photos, a lot of pithy 'corporate spiel' which most designers and creatives despise. It would make a good book to have in the reception area of an investment bank, I'm sure - its very pretty, but it isn't very informative or inspirational and doesn't tell us anything we didn't already know.

If you're looking for a good book by Balmond, buy Informal. It's excellent. This, well, its coffee-table stuff only.

A Beautifully Designed Book
I was very impressed by Cecil Balmond's Informal and found it inspirational. I found Element equally impressive but for different reasons. It is a beautifully designed book. The photography is spectacular. The author has an eye for beauty and perfection. The patterns and colours all contribute to make this a truly remarkable book. I would certainly recommend it. I enjoy opening the pages and looking at the images. A truly aesthetic experience.