New book: Architects’ Houses by Michael Webb
Ever wondered where architects spend their time at the end of the day? Think no more, as a new book has it covered. Architects’ Houses by Michael Webb.
Not every architect obviously. That would be ridiculous and impractical. But Michael Webb has pulled together the homes of 30 leading architects, including Norman Foster, Thom Mayne, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.
As I have said before on these pages, when architects’s houses come up for sale, you just know they are going to be interesting. They are designing something for themselves, there is no discussion with a client – they know exactly what they want. And the end result isn’t just a home, it’s a ‘calling card’ for the architect and his or her work.
In this 304-page book by Thames and Hudson, the chosen architects talk about those houses they designed for themselves over the past decade, as well as what inspired them, the constraints and how their concepts took shape.
Michael Webb explores the creative process and traces the influence of architects’ houses over the past two hundred years, from Jefferson’s Monticello to the creations of Charles and Ray Eames, Toyo Ito, and Frank Gehry.
Texts, sketches, and plans illustrate the points made, showing a range of houses that differ widely, in size, material, character, and location, from the frugal and modest to the most adventurous of builds.
But according to the author, each one asks a question: ‘How can a house enrich lives and its natural surroundings?’
To find out the answer, you might have to pick up as copy. You can pre-order Architects’ Houses by Michael Webb now ahead of its 5th July 2018 release date, with the hardback book priced at £23.40.
