San Francisco Modern: Interiors, Architecture and Design

by Zahid Sardar, J.D. Peterson (Photographs), Mario Botta (Foreword)

Modernism eschews historical references and ornament in favor of pure forms. In homes and furnishings, this translates into dramatic symmetrical compositions, geometric shapes, and a fondness for open spaces. San Francisco Modern is the first book to survey modernism as it is seen in many magnificent Bay Area residences. Graced with dramatic landscapes and light, San Francisco has inspired some of the world's most creative and influential architects and designers. It has also thoroughly embraced the modern aesthetic. In this richly illustrated tour of some of the Bay Area's most striking homes, author Zahid Sardar unveils 32 premier examples of modernist exteriors and interiors, from apartments on famed Russian Hill to spacious lofts in the funky South of Market district, and from new homes built in Oakland's fire-ravaged hills to stunning houses in the wine country. With a foreword by Mario Botta and an introduction discussing the origins of Bay Area modernism, San Francisco Modern is an impressive sourcebook of contemporary style, one to be embraced by architects and designers as well as home owners looking for inspiration.

204 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

ZAHID SARDAR is a San Francisco–based editor, writer, and curator specializing in architecture, interiors, and design. His work has appeared in Dwell, Interiors, Western Interiors & Design, Interior Design, House & Garden, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, and Landscape Architecture. He has taught design history at the California College of the Arts and has written several other books, including West Coast Modern and New Garden Design.

Reviews

[Mariℓina · Rating 3 out of 5]

San Francisco is a huge city with much history and interesting from every aspect, that of course includes architecture. In this book though, forget the eclectic Victorian houses with the breathtaking Bay windows that the city is well-known for and let's concentrate for a moment on the modern designs of beautiful homes, lofts and apartments.



This book was published in 1998 so i can't really comment on the contemporary factor although it's very accurate for its time-frame. Some things i liked, some things i didn't. But the truth is that the historical touches were splendid and even now you can intersect the true elegance from the simplistic and well matched interiors.



Filled with the trendy elements of the 90's, like the beige and white tones, animal prints, totems, fireplaces, Functionalism, Cubism and Organic architecture as main concepts along with too many leather recliners and wood everywhere, i would recommend it as a read for those who enjoy

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interior design porn.