From its translucent dust jacket and warm gray ink to its embossed linen cover and 145 superbly printed photographs, this elegantly designed and handsomely produced volume is presented as the bibliographic embodiment of the author's architectural philosophy. Pawson uses a photographic essay to develop a comprehensive definition of the minimalist sensibility. For the examples, he draws not only from the history of art, architecture, and design but also from the natural landscape. Each of the 11 chapters explores an aspect of design, such as mass, light, or structure. While the introductory essay serves as an argument for Pawson's own work, the captions provide thoughtful and insightful interpretations of the objects and images reproduced. His analysis of Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, illustrated with a three-leaf gatefold, for example, provides a concise but substantive perspective on the relation of this modern monument to its site. Aspects of Minimal Architecture (Academy Editions, 1994) has a similar purpose and even includes one of Pawson's designs but does not equal this volume in breadth, graphic quality, or singularity of vision. Highly recommended for all architecture and design libraries.
Paul Glassman, Pratt Inst. Lib., New York
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.