Book Description
One of the few truly visionary architects of large-scale commissions working today, Thom Mayne won the 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize, his field's most prestigious award. Mayne's influential firm Morphosis, founded in the early 1970s, has maintained an avant-garde presence among contemporary architecture firms even as it has garnered high-profile, big-budget commissions around the world. Since Rizzoli published Volume I of the Morphosis series in 1989, the Los Angeles-based firm has attained the highest levels of international esteem and influence as it continues to push its intricate modernism into new territory. In the tradition of its three comprehensive and visually groundbreaking predecessors, this fourth volume packs 575 illustrations into its tour of Morphosis's activity at the turn of the twenty-first century. And like other series of Rizzoli monographs, the Morphosis series is considered the authoritative record of the firm's work. New works covered in Volume IV include the extraordinary Cal Trans Headquarters in Los Angeles, housing designed for New York's 2012 Olympics bid, the San Francisco Federal Office Building, the NOOA Satellite Operations Facility, and major housing projects in Toronto and Shanghai constructed of glass and high-tech materials demonstrating the appealingly iconoclastic modernism of Thom Mayne and Morphosis.
Customer Reviews:
Complex but Decipherable.......2007-10-02
This is more a review of the books about Morphosis than the works of Morphosis. The first monograph is still essential to my library, and is highly accessible and analytical. Unfortunately, the second monograph was almost incomprehensible. I mean, I literally couldn't make out what I was looking at. The third major monograph from Rizzoli was better in this regard, but of course that snapshot of the from at that time showed a lot of promise but little built work -- yet. So this monograph comes along and a whole lot has happened for Morphosis in the meantime. While the graphics are complex still, often overlapping and vignetted, I can make sense of them. Also, it's just great, really an inspiration to not only see work built, but to see it executed so well.
I would always like to see more detail drawings in these monographs, but with a few exceptions, I've just learned to live without them. It's my one criticism of this book really. The analysis is less, um, didactic than the first monograph, but you do get a certain joy out of figuring some things out for yourself. In the end, while the forms of Morphosis are complex and the high-lines-per-square-inch drawings add to that, ultimately, the process, idea and problems are apparent in the work itself. It's cleverly presented and clear in idea if not simple in execution.
Great Book.......2006-08-14
This is truly a must have in any architecutal book collection. 400+ color pages, showing recent projects. I have found this book a great reasource for my studies.
Customer Reviews:
a wealth of ideas.......2000-08-03
I got this book from the point of view of graphic design, and found it very rewarding. The book pays attention to the details of buildings, and the overall needs of the client, discussing how they arranged structures to fit the landscape, and compliment them, or how they created traffic thru-flow of people, how they encourage people into the buildings and around them. There are so many ideas in this book, it's well worth getting your hands on.
Not what I expected.......2000-03-31
I expected a book full of pictures of actual buildings. Instead I opened the book to find computer renderings and models of buildings. There were only a couple of pictures of existing architecture. Morphosis is great. They have some of the most brilliant architects working for them, but the book did not show me the work they are famous for.
Book Description
This monograph is the first to document all of the built work by Morphosis, a Los Angeles-based practice headed by Thom Mayne and one of the most influential architecture firms of the past twenty years. Morphosis's unconventional geometries; beautifully executed, sculptural models; and complex, computer-generated drawings helped to usher in a new era of architectural experimentation in the early 1980s. This book is comprised of bold, documentary-style colour photographs of thirty-five completed buildings presented in an almost cinematic layout, and publishes for the first time together all of Morphosis's completed work, from the early residential and restaurant projects in Los Angeles to the most recent large-scale work beyond California and the United States - in Canada, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Austria.
Thom Mayne founded Morphosis in 1972 in partnership with Michael Rotondi, who now has his own firm. Over the past twenty years, Mayne's academic posts have included teaching positions at Columbia University, Harvard University, Yale University, the Berlage Institute in the Netherlands and the Bartlett School of Architecture in London, among other institutions.
Val Warke is an associate professor of architecture at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Customer Reviews:
IRRITATING BOOK.......2007-02-08
The book contains pictures of his work and the bottom line is this --
1) Poor choice of angles in the photography
2) Boring images
3) Annoying layout of photos in the book such as spreading the image across 2 pages that disturbs the image of the architecture.
Great for non-architects.......2005-04-27
Morphosis is one of the leading American practices today. The work that they have produced over the years is amazing. This book is great for the non-architect, however I would not recommend it for any students or practitioners of architecture. "Morphosis Buildings and Projects 1993-1997" and "Morphosis Building and Projects 1989-1992" are loaded with drawings, working images, and an indepth look at the firms work. They are much better books for the architecture student.
Morphosis.......2003-12-17
Mayne has been at the forefront of LA's architectural avant garde for over thirty years, graduating from meticulously detailed houses and commercial spaces, to large-scale public projects that include two LA-area schools, the Cal Trans headquarters, a Federal office building in San Francisco, and a courthouse in Oregon. Morphosis (the firm he established with Michael Rotondi in 1972) has also built in Canada, Austria and Korea. This handsome pictorial survey of its 35 completed buildings and installations offers a thrilling ride through structures that tilt, fold, cantilever and seem to defy gravity. An essay by Mayne is gently deconstructed by Cornell architecture professor Val Warke. (Michael Webb is the book reviewer for LA Architect magazine.)
better that the others.......2003-11-12
This book unlike other morphosis books is comprehensible for the average reader. it has great pictures and his spectacular use of materials is clearly articulated. Thom Mayne does not only talk the talk but builds the talked about.
Architecture Is Beautiful.......2003-06-03
This book presents the Morphosis architecture in a series of well-executed photographs, beautifully presented.
Book Description
Winners of numerous awards and the subject of exhibitions from Tokyo to Berlin, Morphosis is one of the most influential American architecture firms of the last two decades. Rizzoli has published the firm's highly successful first two monographs; like its predecessors, Morphosis: Buildings and Projects, Volume 3 reflects the firm's avant-garde approach to design with computer-generated images in a hypertextual presentation that radically departs from conventional architectural monographs.
Along with new built, unbuilt, and in-progress projects, furniture design, and sketches, the book includes the FJC Communications building in Burbank, California; Sun Towers in Seoul; the A.S.E. Visitors' Center in Taipei; and the American Business Center in Berlin.
Customer Reviews:
Good info, Hard to read drawings, terrible cover.......2005-05-30
The information presented in the book is good--no doubt about that. But the graphics of the book is too much--it takes away a lot from one's ability to clearly read and understand the drawings. Whoever designed it does too much to overwhelm the senses and as a result, the reader is left confused and thumbing page to page trying to figure out what is going on. Also, the quality of the binding is rather lackluster--after about half way through the book, the binding (which was basically a piece of paper HOT GLUED on to the pages) fell apart. Thom Mayne's work is interesting (and perhaps nothing more than that) but he doesn't much help his case if the quality of the design and the construction of the book is this BAD.
The best book on Morphosis out there........2003-10-28
I have seen a lot of books on Morphosis out there. Some are more projects' photographs, other are of single projects drawing, philosophy and graphic. This one is a graphic masterpiece. I bought this when I was an architect student and it helped me layout the foundation of my portfolio and presentation. I don't necessary design like Morphosis, but love how they projected their projects to the curious eyes. This is a very thick book, of mostly weird angles FormZ's renderings mixed with CAD drawings. You get tried of looking at rendering pages after pages, but each project is unique in its own. My friends and roommates borrow this book the most of all the books in my architectural library, by far. The cover is very cool, but the pages were cheaply glue or constructed and it break apart, under heavy browsing. I repair this book with zappa-gap many times. So this is my #1 architectual book.
Design masterpiece.......2000-09-20
One of the few architecture books at the brick and mortor bookstore that isn't sealed shut with shrink wrap. After I flipped through it I immediately bought it through amazon. It is designed by Cranbrook design superstar Lorraine Wild, the design perfectly represents what Morphosis is about. I take it from the other reviewers that they only looked at the images and did not read anything at all because they did not "get it". Their work is delivered as a cyberpunk novel outtake, the setting an industrial dance club with torture devices. There is a wonderful surreal short story that acts as a sort of guide to viewing the work as well. I am not an architect but this is inspirational enough for me to spend half a decade in school to become one. Reminds me of the Jean Tinguely book published in the early 70's (with sketch overlays) and a similar design philosophy as Low/Tek
great collection of morp's work for fans.......2000-06-12
Being an architecture student, I constantly refer to many books, and Morphosis is one of my favourite contemporary architecture firm. This is really a thick and quite a heavy book. Its a compilation of many of Morphosis' work. Their "Best Of.." volume. This marvelous edition is divided into 2 parts. The first part consist of many colourful computer generated views, elevations, plans and 3D computer models etc of their buildings. The 3D models give a good visual understanding of their complicated but exciting buildings. The second part consist of essays by Thom Mayne. The thing about Morphosis is Mayne's writing is clear. He states his intention and theories clearly without getting out of the subject of architecture much. He talks about the difference between a project and a building which is a very good way of looking at architecture today. The graphics and writing provide a very clear understanding of their buildings. The bottom line is, if you like Morphosis, you'll love this book among your collection.
Great drawings, but..........2000-02-17
neat drawings, but this book is for hard-core fans of Morphosis. the amount of graphic information enclosed is staggering at first, but once you own it you will get bored with it. there is no meat on these bones. the text, tellingly placed in the back like an afterthought,is meaningless. i doubt anyone without prior experience with Morphosis' projects would really understand what he is up to.
Book Description
"Morphosis: Recent Works" is the fourth in a series of monographs featuring the works of individual architects by PlanetArchitecture.com. Over the past three decades Thom Mayne, principal of Morphosis, has designed some of the most exciting and innovative buildings to be seen in the U.S. and abroad. His non-traditional exploration of architecture, which transcends materials, forms, and tectonics, embody an architecture rooted in time, place and purpose. Featured are two recently completed buildings: Hypo Alpe-Adria-Center in Klagenfurt, Austria and Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, U.S. The conceptualization of landscape and building as one is further developed in the Hypo Alpe-Adria-Center, the headquarters for a bank, which through urban patterns attempts to reconnect with the fabric of the city. The conceptualization and design of Diamond Ranch high School similarly draws upon relationships with the larger landscape beyond its own boundaries. The results are marvelous forms that play with and against the sloping site, and framed vistas that connect with the scenery beyond. Also included are five projects in various stages of design and development. Extensive use of computer models, drawings and renderings illustrate the extensive lengths Thom Mayne explores each project.
This CD-ROM features an intuitive, multi-referenced interface used to access the entire e-archive (electronic archive) of video interviews, photographs, writings, virtual reality panoramas, and drawings. The unique graphical interface takes full advantage of the interactive media and makes the self guided explorations both user friendly and enjoyable. This e-archive provides comprehensive documentation and virtual experiences unparalleled by any single medium. Nearly 50 photographs of interiors, exteriors, and details document these projects like never before. 36 virtual reality panoramas (allowing 360 degree panning) take you there "virtually." An extensive 33 minute video interview with Thom Mayne brings new insights in understanding the Architect behind Morphosis. A comprehensive collection of drawings, models, and computer renderings (over 140 in all) illustrate the conceptual ideas and process of developing the unusual forms and structures. A text and photo based introduction by R.E. Somol provides a new perspective on Thom Mayne, the principal of Morphosis.
Customer Reviews:
Not much content for the money........2007-06-20
This CD is a bit short of a new media experience; the content and file size is limited and low res.; I had hoped it would permit more detailed viewing than the equivalent material in book form. I also bought the Hadid CD which was several years newer, slightly better presentation and more content. Still neither gave the satisfaction of flipping pages at the coffee table or on the thrown.
More than helpful!.......2006-01-20
Glad that Morphosis is featured in the planet architecture series. The virtual reality panoramas really show you the power of these digital archives. I haven't got a chance to be in many of these buildings so these archives get me as close as i can get. Lots of good info and interesting interviews. Looking forward to seeing more archives on these great architects.
not too bad.......2004-02-19
I found this cd-rom to very informative of the architectural world. Morposis is a very intersting firm with very intriguing designs and projects. I look forward to seeing more of Morphosis's work.
GREAT CONTENT.......2004-02-19
This is a very good cd. Any architecture student should prchase it. I would buy it again.
Morphosis through new eyes!.......2004-01-11
Morphosis is leading the way for new architecture with innovative, fluid designs today, and what a better way to discover their works than through Planet Architecture's feature CD-Rom. It is comprehensive with plenty of exciting photos, drawings, interviews, and so much more providing you with a deeper understanding and analysis of the projects without dry reading. It includes much more interesting content than any comparative book and for a very modest price. Rather than breeze through a lacking book, the CD engages your interests as you explore and interact. Navigating through the CD is intuitively easy. It is well worth the money to get complete studies on the many dynamic projects listed. I recommend it to anyone that is considering, you will not be disappointed!
Book Description
Morphosis/Diamond Ranch High School opens with an interview with Thom Payne, founder and principal of the avant-garde California architecture firm Morphosis. The interview outlines Mayne's working methods and chronicles his development as an architect from his years as a student through the realization of such influential projects as the widely published Crawford House. This is followed by a presentation of a single project, Diamond Ranch High School, at a level of detail not normally found in architectural monographs. Here every crucial architectural decision is extensively illustrated with conceptual sketches, key working drawings, and photographs of the project under construction and after completion.
Customer Reviews:
An Original Architecture Book Worth the Money.......2005-01-08
"Diamond Ranch High School: Source Book in Architecture" is perhaps one of the best books to have if you want to know the process of which great projects come to be.
Divided into three sections, the first section is a documented transcript of Thom Mayne of Morphosis, critic Jeffrey Kipnis, and lecturer Todd Gannon during the Baumer Lecture Series at The Ohio State University. Mr. Kipnis and Mr. Gannon provide some of the best questions to Mr. Mayne - questions that many of us would actually want to ask Mr. Mayne. Likewise, Mr. Mayne's responses are eloquent and insightful. His honesty removes the aura created by his computer renderings and makes you realize that this is simply an individual who loves what he does.
The second section of the book documents the drawings that Morphosis developed for the Diamond Ranch High School. Let's face it - we are usually presented with either a project proposal or a professional finished photograph and drawings are typically excluded from any typical documentation.
The third section contains photos of the project under construction to the final construction photos.
From the Mayne's discussion, to the drawings, and to the photographs, you gain a valuable insight into the true design and development of 'Diamond Ranch High School' that other publications simply gloss over.
This series of books are simply one of the best in contemporary architectural writing and documentation today.
Great Resource for Morphosis Admirers.......2002-05-05
As an architect, I have followed Thom Mayne's work for a long period of time. I have collected most of his books and have always admired their production quality and most importantly, the depth of the work produced by this firm. They have been and will remain at the forefront of the architectural profession. Despite reading and studying Mayne's work and philosophies in other books, I have always been left unsatisfied, not knowing exactly how the firm works and how a project comes together within their office. The interview with Jeffery Kipnis and Todd Gannon at the front of the book enters into this territory, although I would have liked it to be much longer. The rest of the book is much like other Morphosis' books; full of beautiful sketches, computer renderings and drawings. Images walk the reader from schematic design through completion.
Average customer rating:
|
Morphosis (A+U Special Issue No 9)
Manufacturer: A & U
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 4900211478 |
Average customer rating:
|
Morphosis (Global Architecture Document Extra S.)
Yukio Futagawa
Manufacturer: ADA Editors,Japan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 4871402290 |
Books:
- New Bar And Club Design
- One Morning in Maine
- Outside the Bungalow: America's Arts and Crafts Garden
- Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis
- Permission to Steal: Revealing the Roots of Corporate Scandal (Blackwell Public Philosophy)
- PKI Security Solutions for the Enterprise: Solving HIPAA, E-Paper Act, and Other Compliance Issues
- PowerPoint for Litigators : How to Create Effective Illustrative Aids and Demonstrative Exhibits for Trial, Mediation, Arbitration, and Appeal
- Project Resource Manual (PRM) : The CSI Manual of Practice
- Quick Reference to HIPAA Compliance 2004
- Reinventing the Skyscraper: A Vertical Theory of Urban Design
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Encyclopedia Judaica 22 Volume Set
- Why Do I Think I Am Nothing Without a Man
- Practical Statistics for Experimental Biologists, 2nd Edition
- River And Desert Plants of the Grand Canyon
- The Layguide: How to Seduce Women More Beautiful Than You Ever Dreamed Possible No Matter What You L
- Wooden
- The Subtle Serpent: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland
- California's Architectural Frontier: Style and Tradition in the Nineteenth Century
- The French Chateau: Life, Style, Tradition
- The Future of Beef Production in the European Community
Morphosis: Buildings and Projects, 1993-1997
Mvrdv: Km3: Excursions on Capacity
Patkau Architects
UN Studio: Design Models - Architecture, Urbanism, Infrastructure
Zaha Hadid
