Minimalism emphasizes extreme simplicity of form. By diminishing the number of graphic elements, the strength of each element is enhanced; or, as Mies van der Rohe famously said, less is more. Known for their simple and unassuming rules, both Nordic and Japanese design schools are the most outstanding representatives of this extending trend, used by more and more graphic designers in their creative fields, be it branding, editorial, communication or packaging, to name just a few. Simplicity collects over 100 works by graphic designers all over the world, who apply minimalism in their works to infuse them with an elegant simplicity and a clean style. It aims to be an indispensable guidebook for designers who are looking for new ways of expression, and also a leisure book for readers who wish to learn more about the beauty of all things simple.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 210 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 13-03-2017

The modern yearning for vintage and classical design work is well-documented in Retro Graphics, an in-depth exploration of diverse applications of retro elements in modern graphic design. The first section, Evolution of Graphic Style, provides a deeper level of understanding of cultural connotations and context in design with explanations of movements, trends and styles from the 1840s to the 1990s. The second section, Retro Design, then reveals how designers capture the zeitgeist of an era and express it through modern media and design methods with a showcase of projects such as food and alcohol packaging, wedding programs, promotional materials, business identities, and more. Masterful retro design evokes the best part of a time or era, inspiring a sense of nostalgia in viewers or consumers not for what really was, but for what ideally could have been; Retro Graphics will show both design enthusiasts and professionals exactly how this can be done.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 222 x 285 mm

Publication Date: 22-02-2017

Food Trucks are something of an institution in American culture, and have been around for more than a century. These days there is a huge range of gastronomic treats available, dished up out of an incredible variety of vehicles – from caravans, station wagons and vans to trucks, buses... all decorated in their own distinctive and charismatic style. Each Food Truck can offer not just something to eat, but a complete gastronomic experience, 18 exclusive recipes full of creativity and good taste, an essential part of what these fabulous pop-up kitchens on wheels provide for their customers. Image and originality have become as important to the product as the food itself.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 220 x 150 mm

Publication Date: 20-03-2017

This book is a compilation of some of the more interesting town houses which have been recently constructed. We use recent examples for analyze the difficulty of integrating new residential volumes. If we had to highlight one characteristic from the projects presented here, it would be their ability to make the most out of their space in such crea­tive ways. Within the basic typology of flat between parallel walls, a world of possibilities open: spaces full of light, endless staircases, curtain walls, facades which spread completely out to the street or contrarily enclose into mysterious gardens and interior patios.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 220 x 150 mm

Publication Date: 20-03-2017

Many abodes can fall under the label of surf shack: New York City apartments, cabins nestled next to national parks, or tiny Hawaiian huts. Surfing communities are overflowing with creativity, innovation, and rich personas. Surf Shacks takes a deeper look at surfers' homes and artistic habits. Glimpses of record collections, strolls through backyard gardens, or a peek into a painter’s studio provide insight into surfers’ lives both on and off shore. From the remote Hawaiian nook of filmmaker Jess Bianchi to the woodsy Japanese paradise that the former CEO of Surfrider Foundation in Japan, Hiromi Masubara, calls home to the converted bus that Ryan Lovelace claims as his domicile and his transport, every space has a unique tale. The moments that these vibrant personalities spend away from the swell and the froth are both captivating and nuanced. Through anecdotes and photographs, illustrations and conversations, Surf Shacks reveals a more personal side to surfing and its eclectic cast of characters.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 240 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 13-03-2017

When much of our existing housing stock was built, lifestyles were very different. This has meant that a large proportion of architect’s work has been adapting these older buildings, rather than building afresh. The challenge is thus to adapt our old buildings to our new ways of living, whilst not destroying what we like about the older houses. Adaption will often mean adding more space. This will often be to the back, the roof or the side, or even sometimes underneath, whilst retaining the original building’s front as part of the streetscape. This book is about the challenge of adapting our old buildings to our new lifestyles in lots of different and creative ways.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 180 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 17-04-2017

Prefabricated architecture is turning into an important trend in the world of contemporary design. The modularity allows for greater design flexibility and makes them more affordable. Nowadays, architectural projects made with recycled loading containers are becoming increasingly popular and, considering the need for more sustainable construction, increasingly necessary. This book presents 14 Eco-Friendly architectural projects committed to environmental conservation based on sustainable construction, featuring prefabricated homes made of wood, steel, etc., as well as container homes.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 180 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 15-05-2017

The loft, which is essentially an urban construction, is an ideal way of converting one’s own home to a unique space that reflects and extends the personality of those who dwell there. The intention of this book is to demonstrate that not only is it possible, but also that often these compact solutions can stand on their own in comparison with the enormous lofts of London or Manhattan. And even though most of them are small, all of them demonstrate how it is possible to convert what could be a small apartment into a spacious loft. This is achieved by using great care in the design.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 180 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 01-06-2017

Beginning with Filoli, the century-old, forward-looking estate situated just south of San Francisco, and closing with The Park, the first public garden ever created in Las Vegas, John Hill takes readers on a worldwide tour, one per year, of beautiful, inspiring, creatively designed, and historically significant landscapes. From the leafy promenades along the Ljubljanica River in Slovenia and the lush, tropical gardens at Lunuganga in Sri Lanka, to the Peace Memorial Park in Japan and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, each of these public sites is currently accessible—a fact that makes this grouping a superb “must-see list” for landscape enthusiasts. Double-page spreads feature color images paired with Hill’s insightful texts. An introductory essay lays out Hill’s selection criteria and an overview of major landscape design innovations and trends from 1917 to 2016. Fans of landscape design will treasure this compendium and students in the field will come away with a greater understanding of how and why the creation of outdoor public spaces has evolved over time.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 247 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 01-09-2017

An oasis within the home: contemporary bathroom design that can be simultaneously luxurious and functional. Where can you start your morning routine and unwind and relax at the end of a long day? The Bathroom. It can be a sanctuary within one’s own four walls or a place to pause before rushing out of the door. From the utilitarian to the luxurious and from the Victorian-influenced to the modern, these rooms are also showcases from stunning design. Whether looking for resourceful solutions for a guest bathroom or rich details to add to a decadent master bath, one is sure to find inspiration within the pages of Take a Bath. Examples from large firms and smaller designers pair with conversations with those who create the practical and splendid spaces.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 25-08-2017