Customer Reviews

Wiel Arets: Works, Projects, Writings

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

 

 

While I must agree with comments made by both of the previous reviewers of this book...

1) There is beauty in this book (midwest book review).
[maybe not because of Ms. Binet but certainly not despite of her efforts either]
2) I have seen better graphic designs and editing (a reader).
[which anyone who has attempted a portfolio of his/ her own knows is impossibly hard to pull off to absolute perfection]

I tend to agree more with Midwest Book Review than A Reader because it is what it is, a "SHOWCASE" book touching on the many forms of thinking about architecture that W. Arets applies to his works (evident in the title Works, Projects, Writtings.) This book does border four stars, but I do strongly recommend this book over the Massimo Faiferri text which I already reviewed as four stars. So, even seeing the point (a reader) had, I have to disagree and give this book an "A" grade because it is deserving of one (and should boost the sinfully low grade A Reader gave this book.)

P.S. I really dig the orange hardcover on my shelf.

Lastly, ALWAYS keep an eye out for An Alabaster Skin and Strange Bodies if you are a true Arets fan.

Aptly edited by Xavier Costa (Curator of Architecture, Mies van der Rohe Foundation), Wiel Arets is an impressive presentation showcasing the creations of architect Wiel Arets. The first full-length monograph of Arets' work, Wiel Arets features a thoughtful text commentary offered by a variety of learned writers concerning Arets' application of leveraging theory "oneirism", uses of grids and rhizomes, and much more. Yet the highlight of this outstanding coffee-table book is undoubtedly Helen Binet's photography - some in color, and some in black-and-white, all combined with an informative text joyously proffering evidence of Wiel Arets' architectural genius. Wiel Arets is a welcome and recommended addition to professional and academic architectural history reference collections.

It is a shame that Princeton Architectural Press could not afford to hire a better graphic designer, as well as an editor that would make the work and its presentation shine. Sure, the book is a great collection of most of Arets' work as well as few essays, nevertheless the spirit that one expected from books such as "An Alabaster Skin" among others is completely missing.
All the beautiful drawings that describe Arets' attitude toward space and urban settings are exchanged for fairly ugly computer renderings and the photography of Helen Binet is not as beautiful as some customers noted.
I was looking forward to this book for a long time, nevertheless it became a great disappointment.