Books – Taschen’s 100 Contemporary Houses

Since its inception 1980, German art, photography and design publisher Taschen has been creating stunning coffee table style books across a number of interesting subjects. And this visually-rich book, entitled ‘100 Contemporary Houses’, more than upholds that publishing prowess.

In two packed volumes, 100 Contemporary Houses explores everything that is going on in the architectural world of modern private homes. From the weird and wacky to the environmentally innovative to the just-plain-beautiful, this intriguing and stimulating book covers the world’s most interesting and pioneering homes from the past decade. For architects, the process of formulating concepts, plans and designs for private homes allows much more freedom than when working on corporate projects and, therefore, allows for a completely different creative experience. With contemporary homes, they also face different challenges; issues of space, environment, sustainability and changing perceptions of what makes a home a success. The publication, which contains vivid photographs and compelling articles, features a host of talented architects both new and established, including John Pawson, Richard Meier, Shigeru Ban, Tadao Ando, Zaha Hadid, Herzog and de Meuron, Daniel Libeskind, Alvaro Siza, UNStudio, and Peter Zumthor.

The book has been edited by internationally renowned Harvard graduate Philip Jodidio, whose previous work includes editing the Connaissance des Arts for over 20 years, Architecture Now! series, and monographs on Tadao Ando, Norman Foster, Richard Meier, Jean Nouvel, and Zaha Hadid.

After flicking through this visually beguiling and interesting book, we guarantee you won’t be able to help but turn your creative attention to your own home. Now about that wonky shelf….

By Victoria Gardiner