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Barcelona: Architecture & Design
Here is an overview of new and notable architecture in a city already known for its unique architectural heritage. One of a series of authoritative pocket guides introduced only last fall, the aNd Guide Barcelona showcases the most innovative designs of the last five years, whether completed (Palafolls Library by EMBT architects, Barcelona Auditorium by Rafael Moneo) or still on the drawing board (Torre Agba by Jean Nouvel, Edificio Forum by Herzog & de Meuron). Easy to use and attractively designed with flexi covers, this CD-sized gem will prove indispensable for tourists and professionals alike who are interested in the built environment.
- GenresArchitectureTravel
192 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2004
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October 10, 2016
I think it was a conceptual mistake to employ the "pocket guide" format with a multi-lingual book about architecture and design.
Is this a pocket guide? Although it is roughly 5x5 inches square, it is also about an inch thick and printed on heavy, glossy paper. I am certainly not putting it in my pocket, and I am not carrying it about with me as it is both weighty and not useful for finding the buildings listed. There is a small map in the back with the locations marked, but as no streets are shown on the map one would have to carry another map or smartphone to find them, in which case why not just note the addresses on the other media and leave the book at home.
Having concluded that there is no reason for this book to be small, its size becomes a distinct negative. The photos, often reproduced as many as nine to a (again, 5 inch) page are miniscule. They would be much more appealing in larger reproductions. The text on the facing pages is repeated in four languages, meaning the reader only gets one short paragraph or small print about each offering. It would have made more sense to reissue the book in four editions with different languages and have more complete descriptions. Or put that one paragraph under the photo so the book would be half as thick and suitable for carrying. Or just skipped the "pocket" concept and made a nice big glossy book about architecture and design.
If they have this book at your library, or you see it while browsing shelves, sure, have a glance. Maybe you will find a site you want to see. Otherwise, I can't recommend it as there are much better small travel guides and far more lavish architecture photography books available.
Is this a pocket guide? Although it is roughly 5x5 inches square, it is also about an inch thick and printed on heavy, glossy paper. I am certainly not putting it in my pocket, and I am not carrying it about with me as it is both weighty and not useful for finding the buildings listed. There is a small map in the back with the locations marked, but as no streets are shown on the map one would have to carry another map or smartphone to find them, in which case why not just note the addresses on the other media and leave the book at home.
Having concluded that there is no reason for this book to be small, its size becomes a distinct negative. The photos, often reproduced as many as nine to a (again, 5 inch) page are miniscule. They would be much more appealing in larger reproductions. The text on the facing pages is repeated in four languages, meaning the reader only gets one short paragraph or small print about each offering. It would have made more sense to reissue the book in four editions with different languages and have more complete descriptions. Or put that one paragraph under the photo so the book would be half as thick and suitable for carrying. Or just skipped the "pocket" concept and made a nice big glossy book about architecture and design.
If they have this book at your library, or you see it while browsing shelves, sure, have a glance. Maybe you will find a site you want to see. Otherwise, I can't recommend it as there are much better small travel guides and far more lavish architecture photography books available.
Displaying 1 of 1 review