Details in Contemporary Architecture

April 1, 2007
Award-winning San Francisco architects Killory and Davids (Davids Killory Architecture) kick off their series of monographs on contemporary building in the United States and Canada with this handsome portfolio of 25 noteworthy structures built in the last two years. Aptly titling the series "As Built," they intend to avoid the "swamps" of postmodern theory and the fantasyland of virtual architecture by examining the real-world intersection wherein advanced design meets emerging technologies. The projects they select, e.g., the Seattle Public Library and Chicago's Millennium Park, will be familiar to those who follow the architectural press. The difference here, however, is the focus on technique. Alongside glossy photos and floor plans are finely detailed technical diagrams illustrating the construction methods and building systems largely constituting the subject matter of the text. The series is addressed to practicing North American architects, whom the authors entreat to take a more collaborative, hands-on approach in turning their concepts into reality. As such, its audience will be limited to professionals and to committed advocates of cutting-edge architecture. Highly recommended to libraries serving those clienteles.David Solté sz, Cuyahoga Cty. P.L., Parma, OH

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.