Informal
by Cecil Balmond
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Book Summary Information
Author: Cecil BalmondEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-04-30
ISBN: 3791337769
Number of pages: 400
Publisher: Prestel USA
Book Reviews of Informal
Book Review: Outstanding...
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted to dislike Informal. I was frothing at the mouth ready to find fault with the book...up until I read it. And it was stellar. I'm actually kind of upset this isn't required reading in my architecture school.
The ultimate benefit of reading Informal is in getting a glimpse into how Balmond thinks. Regardless of whether or not the end products were built, seeing how he thinks his way through problems makes you wish his overwhelming creativity would wash off on you. Balmond explores structure as a possibility rather than a limitation. He conceives highly imaginative and innovative solutions that work symbiotically with the architecture. His writes with humane prose and presents his ideas with inquisitive boyishness, in no way belying his erudition.
Genius. Pure and simple. Worth every dime.
Summary of Informal
Balmond is making the transition from structural engineer working alongside other architects to an architect in his own right. His structural thinking differs from that of others in his field, in its completely innovative conception of the engineer's contribution to architecture. The plasticity of architectural plans is enhanced through a decisive promotion of their structural designs. The borderline between structure and architecture thus becomes increasingly blurred. This process is explained in detail in "Informal" by reference to eight seminal projects. Balmond elucidates the theoretical basis of his engineering and architectural solutions, and his sketches transcend purely technical illustration - they are key to his approach. "Informal" invites readers to rethink their understanding of the relationships between architecture, design and engineering.Arts & Photography Books
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