Miller/Hull: Architects of the Pacific Northwest [Paperback]

Sheri Olson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001

A new architectural style emerges when similarities of form, material, interest, or attitude in the designs of a group of architects become prevalent enough to earn their own identity. Such is the recently heralded rise of the Pacific Northwest school, best represented by the work of David Miller and Robert Hull. Miller/Hull's energy-conscious designs combine with a love of local materials and structural expressiveness to define the essence of the Pacific Northwest style. Here, where climate plays such a critical role, each Miller/Hull building responds with simple but inventive forms, straightforward plans, sensible siting, and careful detailing. Miller/Hull is the only comprehensive monograph of the architects' practice, which spans civic buildings, office and retail structures, educational and institutional projects, and their award-winning houses. Author Sheri Olson traces Miller/Hull's work through twenty-six projects; color photographs and drawings beautifully capture the light and structural simplicity of their work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I had to say that I wasn't aware of the work by the Miller Hull Partnership, a Seattle based firm established in 1977, until we received this book from Princeton Architectural Press. The book, a sequel to the 2001 monograph by the same publishing house, shows a selection of recent projects in a good format, with clear drawings and good photos. The projects cover both residential and public works, such as the Willamette River Water Treatment Plant a wonderful project, which doubles as a park with picnic areas. The rest of the works of the firm have a clear signature when it comes to materials and structural solutions, with transparency as something in common. I recommend this book for both its clear presentation and the quality of the works by the firm." --Arch Daily

"This volume profiles 12 public buildings designed by the Miller Hull Partnership -- the Pacific Northwest architectural firm founded in 1977 by David Miller and Bob Hull that is known for its approach to sustainable design and the integration and visibility of building systems, energy, material, and landscape. The volume is copiously illustrated with color photographs and other illustrations." --Book New Inc.

"...an impressive collection of projects, as delivered in an equally impressive monograph, exhibiting the nature centres, community centres, administration buildings, power plant facilities, and urban residential lofts that have represented a significant percentage of the work being done by their office in its most recent years... this new Princeton Architectural publication provide us with a glimpse into the world of one of the many vibrant architectural practices of the Pacific Northwest, and a model of how architecture can be locally responsive to material and climate, while providing environmentally responsible solutions to public building programs." --re:place Magazine

About the Author

Sheri Olsen an architect and writer, is a contributing editor of Architectural Record and the Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press; 1 edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568982313
• ISBN-13: 978-1568982311
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #491,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's all here., August 29, 2001

By 

Kyle Martin (San Antonio, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Miller/Hull: Architects of the Pacific Northwest (Paperback)

This book provides an excellent cross section of more Miller|Hull work than you've ever seen in the magazines. This book is a significant improvement in representing the full scope of their work compared to the Ten Houses book. The book is layed out so each project gets roughly 3 spreads (or six pages). A majority of the photos are clean, crisp, beautiful images of both interior and exterior. There's typically one page of text and two drawings.
But, I have problems with this book. This book is over polished, over "published", & is more geared as a marketing brochure than a discriptive portfolio of thought and design. First, we all know these guys have done some really great stuff, but do we need to see ALL of it! Some of the less remarkable(i.e.,older, more traditional, more restrained) projects take valuable pages away from some of their more enlightened works. There's no heirachy about their design - everything gets 3 spreads, two token drawings, 500 words of static text, and some nice photos. You should not be able to learn more about a building from a magazine article than you can from the monograph. I want more! How do they think? What do early sketches and ideas look like? Models - I'm sure they've produced some great models! Where are they? This paperback book is a gem at it's current ...price. ... Ounce per ounce:dollar per dollar, the Ten Houses book is a better deal because it provides greater insight to the projects covered. But if you're looking for a blanket covering of Miller|Hull projects with nice photos, this is the way to go.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars too "image" oriented, October 17, 2001

By 

Joshua McCullar (Charlottesville, Va) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miller/Hull: Architects of the Pacific Northwest (Paperback)

I am a huge fan of the work of Miller Hull, however I was disappointed that this monograph lacked a thoughtful depiction of the design process. I would have loved to have seen the architect's sketches, drawings, and personal writing. There were really too many pictures, and the book had the quality of a film strip. The Ten Houses book, which showcases many of this firm's residential projects is a better book if you want to see drawings.

4.0 out of 5 stars Miller/Hull Architects, June 6, 2010

By 

Lasse K. Jaakola "Lasse K. Jaakola" (Seattle, WA, US) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Miller/Hull: Architects of the Pacific Northwest (Paperback)

I know Dave Miller personally and both those guys are great designers and wonderful people.