Книга Architects' Houses

Thirty of the world's leading architects, including Norman Foster, Thom Mayne, TodWilliams and Billie Tsien, talk about the houses they designed for themselves over thepast decade. What inspired them, what were the constraints, how did their conceptstake shape? Michael Webb explores the creative process and traces the influence ofarchitects' houses over the past two hundred years, from Jefferson's Monticello to thecreations of Charles and Ray Eames, Toyo Ito and Frank Gehry.

Texts, images, sketches and plans are interwoven to illustrate houses that differwidely, in size, material, character and location. There are urban infills, rustic retreats,experiments, and fusions of new and old. They all make a statement, modest orambitious, and each reflects the personality and tastes of its owner. These architectshave accepted the challenge of doing something out of the ordinary, turningconstraints to advantage. They give different answers to a crucial question: how cana house enrich lives and its surroundings? Spacious or frugal, refined or rough-edged,daring or reductive, these adventurous dwellings will inspire other architects andeveryone who would like to design or commission a house that is one-of-a-kind.