The retro-futuristic epoch is one of the most visually spectacular in architecture's history. The utopian buildings of the 1960s and 1970s never go out of style. This book compiles radical ideas and visionary structures. The notion of utopia proves as diverse as it does universal. From exuberant master plans to singular architectural expressions, the rise of the utopian architectural movement in the 1960s and 1970s represents a critical shift in ideology away from mid-century traditionalism. This period shakes off the conformity and conventions of the 1950s in favour of a more experimental post-war agenda. Marked by groundbreaking reinterpretations of both the single family house as well as more large scale developments, the embrace of utopian and generally progressive thinking mirrored the cultural revolution of the times. These daring, charming, futuristic, and hopeful designs were not isolated to a particular part of the world. Visionary voices longing for a fresh approach to architecture began appearing across France, Japan, the United States, and beyond. The Tale of Tomorrow documents this prolific era in architecture--a time when anything felt possible as architects began to think further and further outside the box. The Tale of Tomorrow focuses exclusively on built manifestations of utopian ideas. Rather than mixing together abstract theorists with practitioners, this book focuses on the tangible embodiments of such forward thinking. Highlighting well-known projects as well as the more obscure and offbeat, the collection of utopian approaches compiled here maintain their visual power and infectious optimism nearly half a century later. These experimental structures, both large and small, appear in everyday places in stark contrast to their far-from-utopian contexts. In addition to featuring a range of whimsical architectural gestures, The Tale of Tomorrow also explores more brutalist styles of utopian thinking. This bold and iconic class of projects not only inspires a sense of awe and reverence towards one's surroundings but also demonstrates the broad spectrum of deeply personal solutions at play as each architect began to craft their ideal world. Whether an organically shaped residence or a towering sculptural complex, the projects in this book stand as poignant suggestions of what might have been and, perhaps what could still be.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

Publication Date: 30-03-2016

In the age of online shopping, opening a store and becoming a shopkeeper seems like a bold move. Yet from Vienna to Vancouver, storefronts are emerging once again as worthy opponents to commercial corporations. Customers embrace individual businesses that share the distinctive knowledge, personalities, vision, and humour of their owners. Whether brand new and based on innovative ideas or passed down for generations and revamped, the stores and their shopkeepers featured in this book stand out for the singular experience they provide to their customers and the personal selection of items they sell. The Shopkeepers: Storefront Businesses and the Future of Retail celebrates the diversity and creativity of brick-and-mortar businesses, telling the stories of the shops and their unique owners.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

Publication Date: 29-12-2015

In contrast with the immobility of the objects it depicts, still life has been speedily making a comeback onto contemporary platforms—from glossy magazines to Instagram feeds. This book showcases new directions in product portraiture by some of our time's most imaginative photographers, designers, and stylists. Still life staples such as dead game and fruit bowls can still be seen in today’s of-the-moment arrangements, but they are now presented alongside the latest fashion accessories or luxury gadgets. The elaborate tabletops, collages, installations, and photographic illustrations featured in The Still Life bridge past and present, and skillfully meld elements of scenography and sculpture with the art of selling.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 245 x 330 mm

Maps help us understand and navigate the world. For centuries, maps have become better, more refined, and more precise—there are no blind spots anymore. While Google Maps and GPS systems have become our tools of choice for navigation, contemporary maps have evolved into platforms for cutting-edge illustration, experimental data visualization, and personal visual storytelling. A Map of the World is a compelling collection of work by a new generation of original and sought-after designers, illustrators, and mapmakers. This work showcases specific regions, characterizes local scenes, generates moods, and tells stories beyond sheer navigation. From accurate and surprisingly detailed representations to personal, naïve, and modernistic interpretations, the featured projects from around the world range from maps and atlases inspired by classic forms to cartographic experiments and editorial illustrations.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 245 x 330 mm

Rock the Shack takes us to the places we long for. For the first time in the history of humankind, more people live in cities than in the country. Yet, at the same time, more and more city dwellers are yearning for rural farms, mountain cabins, or seaside homes. These kinds of refuges offer modern men and women a promise of what urban centers usually cannot provide: quiet, relaxation, being out of reach, getting back to basics, feeling human again. Rock the Shack is a survey of such contemporary refuges from around the world—from basic to luxury. The book features a compelling range of sparingly to intricately furnished cabins, cottages, second homes, tree houses, transformations, shelters, and cocoons. The look of the included structures from the outside is just as important as the view from inside. What these diverse projects have in common is an exceptional spirit that melds the uniqueness of a geographic location with the individual character of the building’s owner and architect.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

Other rules apply to the fashion of the future. New technologies and materials make things possible today that couldn't have even been imagined in the past. High-tech fabrics and melting forms are no longer science fiction but reality. Inspired by the odd, mutant, and deformed, many designers and stylists are now redefining clothing to expand the body and speculate on the evolution of identity— from wearables to the utter transfiguration of the human silhouette. Otherworldly showcases a fashion avant-garde between futurism and fetish. Featuring work by emerging talents and established designers such as Alexander McQueen, Martin Margiela, Lucy McRae, Peter Popps, Iris van Herpen, and others, it not only explores ground-breaking developments but also their fruitful interplay with photography.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 245 x 330 mm

Publication Date: 22-02-2016

Northern Delights reveals why hardly any other interior or product design is so timeless, so functional, so aesthetic, and of such high quality as that of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The book’s stunning selection of Scandinavian design ranges from individual products to skillfully staged living spaces. Although it also presents iconic designs, the book focuses on the work of young talents who are consciously building upon local sustainable design traditions and further developing them in a way that is consistent, intelligent, and reflects an unerring sense of style. Northern Delights showcases classic, minimal, rustic, and pop styles that are united by their simplicity, functionality, and love of light. The included examples show how the grains of different woods, the clarity of colored glass, the cheery colors of fabrics and patterns, and the overall quality of craftsmanship contribute to creating simple, inviting, and very comfortable spaces. Whether the featured work was created for residences, offices, or any other rooms, in a Scandinavian interior, everyone feels at home.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

In recent years, the concept of kitchens has been changing. From being a place only thought of for preparing meals, it has become a meeting point for families and friends, and often serves as the core of one’s home. Making this a cosy place where functionality, aesthetics, and comfort seamlessly blend together can be quite the challenge. There are endless possibilities when designing a kitchen, offering us a chance for total creative freedom where avant-garde or vintage styles can be mixed without a problem. Several soft or tones and shades of white can be employed depending on the feeling you wish to convey, and you can choose an outstanding design for its simplicity and its linearity, or include ornamental additions and small storage spaces to add extra character.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 180 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 27-11-2015

Rehabilitate, in the strict sense of the word, means to enable again, to enable once more, just that this time we don’t turn back to the past but to the future. This time the end is to guarantee the life of the building in question and frequently implies its complete modernization and sometimes, even shifting its use.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 180 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 27-11-2015

A Multidisciplinary building is generally used by the general public, and one that includes large multi-purpose spaces. Each activity area leads into a hall, which acts as a common link between them, thus creating a dynamic area where information, relations, leisure and culture are intermingled and mutually enhanced. Some multidisciplinary buildings are cultural centres which include an auditorium, a theatre, rehearsal area, events room...others are sports facilities which contain different pitches and courts, for basketball, indoor football, etc. combined with educational areas such as libraries, and areas set aside for workshops.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 180 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 23-12-2015