Customer Reviews

Santiago Calatrava (Architecture & Design) (German Edition)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Calatrava s sensational forms and expression are forms of nature manifested in concrete, metal and glass. His structures are powerful and accessible.One is intoxicated by their mythical quality. Their presence enrich the environment instead of overwhelming it. Calatrava s poetic vision carries us into the transcendental realm. This book provides those with great exposure of his oeuvre who have not seen his work. It is so inspiring to see his watercolor studies. It gives one good insight of where he is coming from. And this once again proves that one does not have too far to find beauty and inspiration. It is all in us and around us. Yet one wishes to see some architectural drawings (plans etc.)which would enable us to examine his structures more in detail. Finally I can assure you that this book is a great bargain with very successful photographic images and comprehensive multilingual background info.

I don't like modern architecture. In fact, I think the only thing worse than most modern architecture is post-modern architecture. That is, except for Santiago Calatrava. His structures, particularly his incredible bridges, are absolutely stunning. This book gives a worthwhile introduction to the work of this remarkable man, but is limited by size and cost to giving a rather skimpy picture. Given that larger and more complete works are very expensive, this is a cost-effective introduction.

I've been intrigued by Santiago Calatrava's architecture since seeing the station at Liege Guillemins just before it was completed. At that point, not knowing much and wanting to find out more, I found this little Taschen book the perfect introduction. There are short (2-6 pages) chapters on each building and a 15-page introduction.

As a scientist at the interface between life sciences and physical sciences, I am of course particularly attracted to Calatrava's characteristic way of taking inspiration from soft, living, moving creatures and using it for his structures, giving them a life of their own. Biology shines through everywhere in his work, and the book is good in pointing this out, using some of the architect's sketches as well. The photos are brilliant, too, though it may well be physically impossible to make a boring photo of anything designed by Calatrava.

Most importantly, the book contains a world map with the locations of his buildings at the end, very handy for planning travels to see as many of his works as possible (so far I've seen his completed works at Liege, Barcelona, Sevilla, and Lyon).

This book arrived in perfect condition. It includes a nice, basic overview of calatrava's work.