Mexican Contemporary (World Design) [Paperback]

Herbert Ypma (Author)

Book Description

Series: World Design | Publication Date: May 31, 1997

The exotic, sensual mix of cultural influences including the mysterious monolithic architecture of Mexico's pre-Columbian civilizations, the baroque, tile-clad cathedrals of the Catholic conquistadors, and the rugged and massive proportions of the colonial hacienda are all visible in the work of mexico's new generation of modern masters. The defining elements of Mexican architecture remain the courtyard, the wall and the uninhibited use of colour - the quintessentially Mexican palette of sun-drenched pink, yellow and blue. Featuring the most striking recent work of architects and designers such as Jose de Yturbe and Manuel Mestre, this text explores both the boldness of the new and the richly diverse roots to which it remains true.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Writer and photographer Herbert Ypma grew up on three continents and has remained a global nomad ever since. He traveled almost 4,000 miles around the British Isles in pursuit of ideal getaway destinations. His Hip Hotels series, published by Thames & Hudson, has set a new standard in travel publishing, and his many other books include Maison Christian Liaigre and the World Design series. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd (May 31, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500070199
• ISBN-13: 978-0500070192
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,721,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit low on content, July 14, 2001

By 

Mark Goldschmidt (Altadena, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mexican Contemporary (World Design Series) (Paperback)

While this is a nice enough book, there isn't a whole lot here. Photos are lovely, but they don't show a lot. I should explain that, as a designer, I use books constantly to spur my own inspiration, so I prefer to see more images, more details, more graphics showing how spaces work and flow together.

While the color reproduction is excellent, and in fact the photos are beautiful, as an inspirational tool I would have to put it way behind many other books on the subject. "Mexican Color" and "Mexicolor" are both better, and showcase equally excellent photography and reproduction but with more images and more ideas. The best books I have ever seen on old and new Mexican architecture and gardens are in a series by Patricia O'Gorman ( I own two, "Patios & Gardens of Mexico, and "Tradition of Craftsmanship in Mexican Homes", but there are more in the series). These are great design source books, stuffed with ideas. Photography is black and white, though, so you miss out on the wonderful colors.

I find "Mexican Contemporary" a pretty book but rather a pretentious and superficial one; mostly the reader is given only vignette photos, close ups, highly mannered interior set ups, squeaky clean views into the homes of some of Mexico's super-wealthy. There are some contexural shots: a palm tree against a blue wall, black and white details of pyramics, a 2 page spread of sunflowers and bougainvillea, and a few nice photos of traditional azuelos.

For me, there's just not enough content here.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mexican Contemporary--"sequel" to Casa Mexicana, September 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mexican Contemporary (World Design Series) (Paperback)

Another stunning pictorial of Mexican architecture, in the tradition of Casa Mexicana by Tim Street-Porter. The photography throughout this book is stunning, an inspirational source book of Mexican spaces, forms, colors and workmanship. Focusing on contemporary classics by Yturbe and Mestre, among others, Mexican Contemporary expands upon the contemporary chapters of Casa Mexicana. The only downside to this book is the repetition of much material already so well presented in Casa Mexicana (though the additional photographic glimpses into Mexican architecture are always welcome).

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just magnificent!, September 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Mexican Contemporary (World Design Series) (Paperback)

Never have I seen such incredible collection of unique architecture in Mexico. Not only was I inspired by the color, but it also provided me with a much better understanding of how significant the influence of Luis Barragan has been far reaching in today's modern world. Simply inspirational..