Water and Architecture

By Charles Willard Moore

Book Overview

The interplay of water and architecture has intrigued world-renowned architect Charles W. Moore and internationally acclaimed photographer Jane Lidz for decades. Their mutual interest has resulted in Water and Architecture, a collaboration of vibrant, poetic images and words in which the two reveal the expressive force of water, one of the most powerful and versatile of architectural elements. In his lively, insightful text, Moore first addresses the symbolism of water as a design element, then examines the specific uses of water in a wide spectrum of architectural structures -- fountains and waterfalls, rivers and canals, lakes and pools, and oceans and island -- concluding with a look at basic design principles and environmental issues. Following each chapter are Lidz's spectacular color photographs -- 130 in all -- that bring the sites and ideas discussed vividly to life.The inspirational beauty of these images captures the essence of each design. The scope of the book is impressive. The architecture ranges in style from classical to post-modern, and includes places both celebrated and secret, from splendid palaces to humble plazas, waterfront skylines to private pools. Equally broad is the worldwide geographical span of the book: Bali, Belgium, China, England, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Spain, Thailand, and the United States are represented in Lidz's photographs. The text sections are accompanied by black-and-white documentary illustrations and architectural plans. A comprehensive list of the color photographs and an index round out this magnificent volume, which speaks not only to architects and designers but also to lovers of art, photography, gardens, and travel -- toanyone who has ever been enthralled by the mystical power of water.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810939754
• ISBN13: 9780810939752
• Release Date: March 1994
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 3.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 9.0" x 12.1"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Feast for eyes-sublime combination of prose & images

Water and Architecture is chocolate cake with vanilla-bean ice cream: A combination of two elements-Moore's prose and Lidz's images-that are wonderful on their own, but sublime in combination. The book is a feast for the eyes, with pictures and words so powerful as to be an evocation of sound and smell and taste and touch. What a beautiful finale for the proflific and beloved AIA Gold Medalist Charles Moore. What a showcase for the work of award-winning photographer Jane Lidz. What a pellucid and moving explanation of the relationship between water-oceans, fountains, canals and pools-and architecture. No one-especially no architect-could not love this beautiful book.