Concrete Regionalism

Concrete Regionalism presents the work of four of today's most lauded and accomplished international architects, each of whom has combined vernacular building with a carefully conceived use of concrete. These buildings sensitively respond to their environments, while functioning as monumental symbols that transcend their immediate surroundings. The approaches of Antoine Predock (Albuquerque), Tadao Ando (Osaka), Riccardo Legorreta (Mexico City), and Wiel Arets (The Netherlands) have allowed them to forge an architectonic language that is both solid and meaningful. From Predock's sensitive interpretations of America's Southwest desert to Ando's graceful intervention into natural and urban contexts, from Legorreta's bold representations of Mexico's rich pre-Columbian heritage to Arets's cool "second-modernist" forms, each architect's highly individual vision has created unique buildings for people and their environments. In one sense the result of local conditions, the buildings in Concrete Regionalism also seem to exist out of time and place, constant reminders that there persists in architecture a search for enduring form. 258 illustrations, 104 in color. 4 X 4: a new series on contemporary international architecture Each title includes: * 4 concise architect profiles * 16 influential projects * reference section