Product Description

Modern House 2 is a survey of the world's most interesting and innovative contemporary houses. Organised into thematic sections, it examines approximately 30 houses from around the world. Architects include, amongst others: Glenn Murcutt, Rem Koolhaas/OMA, Foster and Partners, Herzog and de Meuron, Williams and Tsien, Gunther Behnisch, Kazuyo Sejima, Marcos Acayaba and Gabriel Poole. Following Phaidon's Modern House (published 1993), Modern House 2 is a survey of the world's most interesting and innovative contemporary houses. Organised thematically, Modern House 2 will examine around 30 houses focusing on contemporary issues, such as ecological concerns, changing patterns of living, building with sensitivity in ever-increasingly populated cities, and respecting the environment when building in isolated rural areas. Modern House 2 comprises an introductory essay and five chapters, including a final chapter examining concept houses which will focus on international competition designs or commissions for 'model houses'. The book thus ends with an examination of varying international concerns, and offers a view into future possibilities for domestic architecture. An impressive international presentation of houses - from USA, Canada and South America, Europe, Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand - Modern House 2 also responds to an increasing level of knowledge and sophistication about design and environmental issues on the part of the general public, as well as a growing awareness of non-Western ways of life and models of dwelling. Furthermore, through a presentation of exemplary houses, it provides a way for general readers, as well as designers, to think about their own living environments and how they might wish to shape them. Modern House 2 reveals that striking and innovative design can be achieved within the framework of concerns about everyday living patterns that affect everybody.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #162571 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
Clare Melhuish is an architectural critic and anthropologist working in the field of modern architecture and cultural identity. She is the author of the Phaidon monograph Odile Decq: Benoit Cornette (1996), and editor of Architecture and Anthropology (AD Profile 124, Academy Editions 1996). She has written extensively for the architectural press and other publications since the mid-1980s.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding exhibition of innovative domestic architecture
The beauifully designed cover of this outstanding book mirrors the gorgeous and challenging architecture contained within it. This book is a must for anyone thinking of redesigning the exterior, or interior, of their house on both a small or large scale, be it modern or otherwise. The designs are truely inspirational to both the amateur and professional alike. Text-wise, the writing is informative without being too 'architectural', making it accessible for all who have any interest in modern design, and contemporary living.

I would highly recommend this book.