Realms of Impossibility: Air: 001 (Architectural Fragile Earth) - Softcover

C. J. Lim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470844396 ISBN 13: 9780470844397

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2002

Synopsis

"Air" presents the latest in iconoclastic architectural design, featuring projects that challenge the current thinking on space-making, the urban environment and programmatic strategies for living. Among the world-renowned creative figures included are Ben Nicholson, Panamarenko, Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, and Ron Herron. Alongside these high-profile names will be previously unpublished projects by young, up-and-coming architects and designers. This fascinating work sheds light on how some of the world's most creative people respond to major questions concerning our quality of life.

About this title

Review:

"...compelling...intelligent and useful...as a document, Lim has created inspirational stuff..." -- Monument, August/September 2002

"...exciting and meticulously detailed graphics...beautifully executed...irresistibly touchable..." -- Graphics International, No.96, 2002

"...three mini books that invite the reader to make connections between the three volumes and cultivate a fantasy approach to architecture in favour of pragmatics..." -- Building Design, 5 July 2002

From the Author:

HOW TO READ THIS BOOK

A year ago, an acquaintance told me about a newly published novel consisting entirely of blank pages. Intrigued (or gulled, depending on your perspective) by this conceit, I made haste to the nearest book emporium, only to be met with a singularly blank look. ‘Perhaps you could try in the stationary section,' was the polite reply. Did the book exist? Was it a misprint, out of print, a hoax, or a figment of my imagination?

Before returning in a huff to the bookshop where this humble tome was purchased, the editors would like to point out that there are deliberate blank pages in ‘Realms of Impossibility: Air, Ground + Water' too. Along with lots of arrows, symbols and other insignia. These may lead to related subjects in other books of the triptych, film, literature, websites, physical destinations and (in the case of the blanks) the reader's recollection or imagination. The vast majority of buildings today are known only through the photograph, as even the most devout of architectural pilgrims is unable to keep up with the world's accelerating construction scene. This anthology intends to steer a sane path between the armchair traveller and manic building hunter in the form of a guidebook, and true guidebooks should, as the critic Robert Harbison says, ‘lead you to things and leave you at the door'. They should be lists of places where certain kinds of experience may be had. It you are reading!
you cannot see, and the other way around.'

The primary form of communication at the architect's disposal is the drawing. Images, rather than words are the tools of the designer; this book therefore takes the form of a picture essay, eschewing copious and laborious verbosity in favour of copious and laborious imagery.

As previously mentioned, the air, ground and water books tell a single story. Each book is structured around identical chapters, thereby highlighting the analogs and counterparts, or, in some cases lack of them, in the three environments. They may be read in isolation but reveal a second tier of information collectively. So if you enjoyed this book, go and buy the other two. Happy reading!

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0470844396
• ISBN 13: 9780470844397
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: C. J. Lim, Ed Liu