KO ARCHITECTS

Texts by Caroline Clavier by Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty Rizzoli

Mindfully working sans the gauche fervour of pomp and circumstance, Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty have created a design legacy rooted in thoughtfulness. An elaborate choreography of risk and rigour, this stunning first monograph of Parisbased KO Architects reveals how their minimalist masterpieces will stand the test of time.

Organised into eight sections, the book’s 240 pages begin with a short but meaningful text by Pierre Bergé, who speaks of the company’s prowess demonstrated in the Moroccan Yves Saint Laurent museum (KO’s first museum commission). It’s followed by a thoughtful introduction from Tom Delavan, which gives insight into the pair’s design journey and development.

Filled with 150 lush colour photos, each of the book’s eight sections are devoted visual narratives that showcase the rich materiality of KO’s villas in France and Morocco and, of course, the YSL Museum in Marrakech. While they’re all mesmerising, notable projects include Villa K in Tagadert, Morocco and Villa DL in El Ghazoua, Morocco.

A feast for the eyes, this captivating volume is certainly a must-have for any design library, but will also be truly enjoyed by architects who genuinely value larger questions about living a meaningful life.