- pocket architecture -

So, I bought a copy of a prescribed course text today right (Cooke's Architects, Engineers and the Law if you must know), and I came across THE PHAIDON ATLAS of Contemporary Architecture - Travel Edition.

It came from a larger, more expensive version that is roughly the size of your coffee table (puts a new spin on coffee table reading - you'll literally be reading your coffee table) and weighing to the order of shopping trolleys - 8kg. Of course I had to buy it, the travel version that is. It is the perfect size approximately 15.5cm x 11cm x 2cm. I thought how cute, and I've always been intrigued by the compilation of buildings, even though it only had 2 pages (4 buildings) from New Zealand. But I was never a big follower of New Zealand architecture so to speak.

ANYWAYS, it is a comprehensive book on contemporary architecture in the world, contemporary meaning last 30years or so, boasting 1052 buildings, 656 architects, 75 countries and equipped with addresses and maps to guide you there. I have not read enough to give you a thorough review on it yet, but I can tell you I'm excited, simply cos it was impulsely bought, and that it is my first extra-curricular purchase of an architectural picture book. I'm starting from $31.50 you see.

I'm planning on using it when I go to Japan at the end of this year. There's quite a few 'south japan' entries (with not enough Tadao Ando I tell ya!).