Daniel Libeskind: Countersign

Rating:
Summary: paradigm shift
Review: Following up from Libeskind's previous monograph, radix matrix, "The Space of Encounter" read brilliantly into the life of this master architect. However whilst the former read as an extrusion into his work, "Space" intelligently delves into the writing that aided in the creation of such experience like the Jewish Museum in Berlin. With additional writing by the likes of Kipnis and Vidler it makes this book a must read for anyone interested in the theory and manifestation architectural of ideas. Though the pictures are few, the articulation of the writing weaves fantastical imagery lending to very technique used by Libeskind in his drawings. The book is convenient, as well - fitting nicely in the hand or satchel, making it the ideal companion both in size and in content. Libekind's "Space of Encounter" is easily the "S, M, L, XL" of the new era.

Rating:
Summary: A Well Designed Ego
Review: Libeskind has refind his deconstructivist style, expressionist architecture and somewhat of an "acquired" taste. The book shows only a couple of pictures per project, however the reading gives a fantastic insight into the mind of Libeskind. I'm not the type that would usually read the amount of text that's included in this book but it does draw you in, enabling a full and "accurate" understanding of what his architecture is all about. If your not passionate about deconstructivist architecture steer well clear.

Rating:
Summary: Architectural Merit
Review: The above critic has a deep seeded grudge against Libeskind and his work and has obviously not visited Libeskind's Jewish Museum in Berlin. The museum offers some of the most dynamic and moving spaces in the contemporary architectural scene.

Rating:
Summary: Libeskind's Work
Review: The refreshing thing about this book is that it steers away from the traditional 'monograph' format, in presenting work both built and unbuilt as well as significant theoretical treatises from Libeskind and others. There could have been more attention paid to structuring the content so that the projects followed a particular line of architectural strategy (as opposed to alphabetical organisation) but with Libeskind this is likely an intertextual approach, allowing the projects to be linked as the reader sees fit. An excellent snapshot of the thoughts of one of todays best architects...