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Contemporary Brick Buildings, authored by Philip Jodidio and published by TASCHEN, is a visual and intellectual celebration of one of the world’s most enduring architectural materials: brick. Available in a multilingual edition (English, French, and German), this hefty 592-page hardcover tome showcases the versatility and timelessness of brick architecture through a global lens, spanning innovative projects from renowned architects and emerging talents.
Content and Scope
Jodidio expertly curates a fascinating array of brick structures from the last 35 years, proving the material’s resilience and adaptability. From the monumental Tate Modern Switch House in London by Herzog & de Meuron to Daniel Libeskind’s poignant Dutch Holocaust Memorial of Names in Amsterdam, the book offers a rich diversity of applications. Featured projects range from cultural hubs and residential spaces to infrastructure and leisure buildings, highlighting the universality of brick across different climates, economies, and architectural styles.
This volume isn’t just about modern designs; it traces the historical roots of brickmaking, dating back to 7500 BC, contextualizing how fired bricks have become synonymous with both tradition and innovation. The featured works by starchitects such as Renzo Piano, Peter Zumthor, and MASS Design Group demonstrate the material’s ecological and aesthetic potential.
Visual and Physical Appeal
As with all TASCHEN publications, Contemporary Brick Buildings is a visual masterpiece. The book’s large format (9.8 x 13.4 inches) allows for high-quality photographs and detailed layouts, making it as much an art object as a source of architectural knowledge. Weighing 8.25 pounds, it’s a statement piece for coffee tables and bookshelves alike.
The multilingual text ensures accessibility to a broader audience, while the layout seamlessly blends engaging commentary with stunning visuals.
Strengths
• Comprehensive and Global Scope: The book’s inclusion of projects from Paraguay to New Zealand emphasizes the adaptability of brick across different architectural and cultural contexts.
• Diverse Talent Representation: By highlighting both established figures like Renzo Piano and new voices such as Sanchit Arora, the book balances tradition with innovation.
• Ecological Insights: Jodidio underscores brick’s potential for sustainable architecture, making the book timely and relevant.
Considerations
While the book is a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts, its substantial size and weight may make it less practical for casual readers. Additionally, its focus on brick buildings, while fascinating, might not appeal to those seeking broader architectural themes.
Conclusion
Contemporary Brick Buildings is an ode to the humble yet extraordinary brick, showcasing its role as a building block of both history and innovation. With Philip Jodidio’s expert commentary and TASCHEN’s unparalleled production quality, this book is a must-have for architects, design enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the beauty of structural craftsmanship.
Artdaily participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us continue curating and sharing the art world’s latest news, stories, and resources with our readers.
