by William Hall Phaidon
Alive with materiality, warmth and character, wood has been the choice of countless architects for centuries. William Hall’s intriguing new volume reveals the history of this medium, both as a raw material that is renewable and sustainable and one that is ripe for new processes and engineered wood technologies.
Organised in eight sections, the book features 174 lush colour photos over 224 pages. Hall, a graphic designer who began his career in John Pawson’s office, bridges the past, present and future with this catalogue of masterpieces. His selection of international projects includes: the National Assembly for Wales (UK, 2005) by Richard Rogers Partnership; Gwathmey Residence, (USA, 1965) by Charles Gwathmey;, Harbin Opera House (China, 2015) by MAD Architects; Le Cabanon, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (France, 1952), by Le Corbusier and Jean-Marie Tjibaou.
An exceptional bonus is the essay by highly acclaimed writer and naturalist Richard Mabey, which brings depth, historical detail and philosophical insight to the relationship between buildings and trees.
Tapping the imagination and the spirit of ingenuity, this compelling new volume is a must-have for architects, urban planners and designers.