Calatrava - Public Buildings (Hardcover)

~ Anthony Tischhauser (Editor), Stanislaus von Moos (Editor) "The client was Burkhard, Meyer & Steiger, the architects who had won the local competition to build the new and expanding Wohlen Highschool for the..." (more)
Key Phrases: western elevation, invited competition, santiago calatrava, Santiago Calatrava, New York, Art Museum (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava has revitalized not only the art of bridge building. All of his structures go beyond more function to become sculptural elements contributing to the quality of built environment. The present work, which follows Calatrava Bridges is a definitive study authorized by the architect. By examining the nature of each project site and the often complex political realities attendant to building, it demonstrates how the architectural work of Santiago Calatrava has reestablished the importance of urban infrastructure to urban design.

Calatrava secured his reputation with Zurich's Stadelhofen Station (1982-1990). It is a reputation which has continued to grow with other innovative projects such as the BCE Galleria in Toronto (1987-1992); Lyon Airport Station (1989-1994); a project for a bio-shelter and the completion of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (1991), New York; Tenerife Concert Hall, under construction; and the current extension of the Milwaukee Art Museum. But it was with his competition entry for the conversion of the Reichstag Building in Berlin (Joint 1st Prize, 1992) that gained the attention of the international community at large.

The explicitly urban approach to any task is characteristic of Calatrava's work. Whether bus shelter, bridge or airport terminal, what underlies Calatrava's approach is a quest for a deeper understanding of the static forces at work, to which he gives unprecedented expression. This constant experimentation and inquiry has led to solutions that are inventive and undisputedly elegant.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 392 pages
• Publisher: Birkhäuser Basel; 1 edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3764356278
• ISBN-13: 978-3764356279
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,001,118 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There's no one like Calatrava, January 25, 2003

By	"schaunaki" (Fort Collins, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This book goes into great detail in describing some of Calatrava's greatest architectural pieces. There are photographs (night and day shots) accompanying the CAD plans. It a great book to look through and learn from.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and Informative, January 29, 2001

By A Customer

One of the best books in the market describing some of Calatrava's work in detail. A book worth its price.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great documentation of increadible organic architecture, April 14, 1999

By A Customer

One of the most unique and informitive books of architecture and what is possible within engineering today