Stories

Philip Johnson, often seen as a precursor to the modern ‘starchitect,’ built his fame not on a singular architectural style, but on his charismatic social presence and wide-ranging connections with cultural icons like Andy Warhol, Lou Reed, and John Cage. His life intertwined with the vibrant New York avant-garde scene, especially through his long-time partner David Whitney, who connected him to the art world’s elite. Johnson’s legendary Glass House in New Canaan became a magnet for the famous and influential, embodying his unique blend of architecture and celebrity. His collaboration with Warhol on the controversial 1964 World’s Fair project, featuring the silvery mosaic of “13 Most Wanted Men,” highlighted both his pioneering spirit and the tensions between art and society. This vibrant social and creative world is vividly explored in the new book *Philip Johnson: A Visual Biography*, offering intimate stories and insights into the man behind the architectural icon.

Living on Vacation: Contemporary Houses for Tranquil Living showcases a stunning collection of modern homes designed for ultimate relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the remote Writers House on Norway’s Vega archipelago, blending into its wild surroundings, to the secluded Bear Stand nestled in Ontario’s vast wilderness, each retreat offers a unique connection to nature. The off-grid Island Retreat in New Zealand embraces utilitarian simplicity powered by solar energy, while Owl Creek in Colorado fosters deep connections among family and friends with its lodge-like design and expansive mountain views. Even far-flung Árborg House in Iceland impresses with its rugged concrete exterior and warm teak interiors, perfectly in tune with its volcanic landscape. These homes redefine the art of peaceful living, offering inspiration for those seeking solitude or serene togetherness amid breathtaking environments.

Philip Johnson’s Glass House stands as a defining icon of 20th-century American architecture, embodying both modernist elegance and complex personal history. Built in 1949 on a scenic New Canaan site, the glass-walled retreat—deeply influenced by Johnson’s admiration for Mies van der Rohe—challenged traditional notions of privacy and architectural form. While celebrated for its minimalist beauty and its role in popularizing modernism in the U.S., the house also revealed Johnson’s contradictions: its flaws in construction, the mixed reactions from architectural giants like Mies and Frank Lloyd Wright, and Johnson’s own use of the hearth to burn evidence of his controversial past. More than just a home, the Glass House was a stage for cultural gatherings and a symbol of Johnson’s provocative vision, capturing the tensions between openness and secrecy, glamour and darkness.

Philip Johnson was an iconic American architect and cultural figure whose career spanned seven decades, intertwining with the major artistic and architectural movements of the twentieth century. From his early days influenced by the Bauhaus and his controversial pre-war Nazi sympathies to designing landmark buildings like The Glass House and New York’s Seagram Building alongside Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Johnson's legacy is both rich and complex. Known for his influential role as a curator and promoter at the Museum of Modern Art, his expansive art collection, and a dazzling social circle featuring Andy Warhol, Jackie Onassis, and Donald Trump, Johnson’s life was as much about architecture as it was about shaping American cultural identity. Ian Volner’s new visual biography offers a deeply illustrated journey through Johnson’s bold, sometimes contradictory, aesthetic vision and his indelible imprint on the architectural world.

Disney's recent cinematic triumphs might owe part of their magic to an unexpected source: the company's bold investment in postmodern architecture. Their portfolio boasts iconic buildings designed by architectural stars like Arata Isozaki, Robert A.M. Stern, and Michael Graves, blending playful artifice with functional grandeur. As former CEO Michael Eisner noted, these striking buildings not only attract top creative talent but also inspire Disney’s own teams to infuse style and taste into their work. Highlighting the fusion of visionary design and entertainment, Disney’s architectural choices reflect a savvy strategy that helped shape its creative empire and blockbuster successes.

Postmodern Architecture: Less is a Bore offers a vibrant, eclectic celebration of postmodern design that challenges the monotonous minimalism of modernism. This stunning collection showcases a dazzling range of architecture—from whimsical corporate buildings and playful houses to bold interpretations that mix classic, pop, and vernacular styles—highlighting the movement’s embrace of complexity, contradiction, and cultural diversity. With contributions from iconic architects and artists alongside critical voices, the book reveals how postmodernism reflects a world shifting toward globalization, media saturation, and identity politics, inviting readers to revel in freedom of expression and creativity. Whether you’re a lover of art, design, or cultural history, this book promises an inspiring journey through some of the most imaginative, provocative architecture of recent times.

Ezra Stoller’s photography defined the look of American modernism, capturing iconic buildings like Fallingwater and the Salk Institute with unmatched clarity and emotional depth. Architect and author Pierluigi Serraino explores Stoller’s profound impact in his new book, revealing how Stoller’s images not only documented but shaped architectural history by presenting modernism as a transformative force for society. Covering the golden era of post-war architecture and its later decline, the book celebrates Stoller’s rigor, vision, and ability to immortalize buildings at their peak, making it an essential treasure for anyone passionate about architecture and timeless design.

Living in a mid-century modern home is like stepping into a dream inspired by the post-war optimism of architects worldwide who sought to redefine domestic life through open-plan designs, bold use of materials like concrete, glass, and steel, and a joyful embrace of color, texture, and geometric forms. Dominic Bradbury, author of *Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses*, reveals how this era’s architecture was not just a style but a global movement marked by seamless integration of interiors and exteriors, the rise of inside/outside living, and an artistic cross-pollination that transcended borders. From California’s sun-drenched expanses to tropical modernism in Africa and vibrant expressions in Latin America, mid-century homes symbolize a hopeful, playful, and deeply creative moment in architectural history. Though once dismissed, these experimental homes are now valued treasures, influencing contemporary design with their modest scale, sustainability threads, and cohesive artistry that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

Marking 30 years since its founding, Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from hand-drawn designs like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to pioneering integrated public spaces such as the Oslo Opera House. Co-founder Kjetil Trædal Thorsen reflects on the firm’s commitment to social sustainability, blending aesthetics with public ownership to create cultural buildings that inspire community and freedom. Despite working in diverse political contexts, Snøhetta champions architecture as a powerful societal tool, emphasizing values like inclusion, innovation, and unity. Their trailblazing approach redefines public space and urban engagement, showcased in landmarks like the 9/11 Memorial Pavilion, and celebrated in the new monograph, Snøhetta: Collective Intuition.

The Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses captures the remarkable global spread of Modernist architecture following World War II, highlighting stunning examples from Mediterranean resorts to South American suburbs. While this architectural style flourished in places like the American West Coast, it remains rare in Britain—except for striking exceptions like White Fox Lodge in Sussex. Designed by John Schwerdt and inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, this single-story home features a unique pinwheel floor plan with soaring floor-to-ceiling glass walls that seamlessly connect the interior with the surrounding landscape. The book offers a captivating look at over 400 iconic and hidden gems of mid-century modern homes worldwide, making it an essential resource for architecture enthusiasts.

Ezra Stoller, a pioneer of mid-century Modernist photography, captured the essence of Marcel Breuer’s architectural genius in his iconic images of the Whitney Museum of American Art—now known as The Met Breuer. Although Stoller photographed many of Breuer’s residential projects, his focus on the Whitney in 1966 beautifully highlighted the building’s harmony and elegance amid Manhattan’s urban backdrop. Celebrated for his close collaboration with Breuer and his discerning eye, Stoller’s work reveals the enduring brilliance of Modernist design. Their partnership, showcased in the new book *Ezra Stoller: A Photographic History of Modern American Architecture*, offers a stunning visual journey through 20th-century American architectural innovation.

The Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses showcases the incredible global influence of Modernist architecture in the post-war era, revealing how this design movement was adapted across diverse climates and cultures from Sub-Saharan Africa to northern Scandinavia. Highlighting the creative blend of modern forms with local traditions, the book features Raimon Torres’s iconic 1964 finca on Ibiza, where raw stone meets whitewashed concrete against a breathtaking ocean backdrop. This stunning residence exemplifies how the movement balanced contemporary innovation with vernacular materials and settings. With over 400 stunning homes by legendary and lesser-known architects worldwide, the atlas is a captivating celebration of mid-century modernism’s elegance and enduring appeal.

The Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses showcases around 400 stunning examples of Modernist architecture from around the world, including two iconic homes owned by Edgar J. Kaufmann. In 1935, Kaufmann acquired Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece set on Pennsylvania’s Bear Run River. Over a decade later, he added the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs, California, designed by Richard Neutra to embrace the desert landscape with seamless indoor-outdoor living. Featuring stone, steel, and glass constructed around a central sandstone chimney, this expansive yet intimate home reflects Neutra’s signature ‘desert Modernism’ style, with floor-to-ceiling windows, covered walkways, and a rooftop belvedere. Celebrated as a defining symbol of Palm Springs architecture, the Kaufmann House embodies the elegance and innovation of mid-century Modern design captured throughout this fascinating and comprehensive atlas.

The Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses offers a captivating global survey of the finest mid-20th-century homes, celebrating the widespread influence of this iconic architectural style. Spotlighting trailblazing architects like Harry Seidler, who brought Modernism to Australia with landmark designs such as his parents’ iconic Sydney home and the alpine-inspired Thredbo Ski Lodge, the book delves into the creative fusion of traditional forms with modernist innovation. Featuring over 400 stunning houses by legendary figures like Marcel Breuer and Richard Neutra alongside lesser-known gems from Australia, Africa, and Asia, this beautifully researched collection is a must-have for design enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration for distinctive, stylish homes.

John Pawson’s Montauk House on Long Island exemplifies his minimalist architectural philosophy, where each home becomes a laboratory for exploring new ideas about design and living. Designed between 2009 and 2013 for a family navigating life between Manhattan and the beach, the house responds gracefully to its shifting landscape of dunes and vast skies without trying to mimic it. Instead, Pawson’s use of sandy-rendered walls and silvered hardwood decks evokes the natural surroundings while maintaining a strong, specific architectural identity. As Alison Morris highlights in John Pawson: Anatomy of Minimum, the house harmonizes with its environment in a way that echoes Frank Lloyd Wright’s ideal of a building “of the hill,” reflecting Pawson’s masterful balance of place, light, and proportion.

In 1986, an avalanche destroyed the seventeenth-century church in the Swiss village of Mogno, prompting local architect Mario Botta to design a striking new building that blends traditional stone with innovative architecture. Botta’s Church of San Giovanni Battista features alternating layers of white marble and dark gneiss, creating a vibrant pattern illuminated uniquely by a sloping glass roof instead of conventional windows. Opened in 1996, this bold and durable structure initially sparked controversy but has since won admiration both locally and beyond, embodying a fresh take on historical materials and design.

The Hikma Religious and Secular Complex in Niger, redesigned by architect Mariam Kamara, beautifully reunites religious worship and secular learning in a single space. Transforming a derelict mosque into a vibrant library and place of worship, Kamara blends Modernist design with traditional materials and techniques, empowering local craftsmen with new skills. Highlighted in the inspiring collection Breaking Ground: Architecture by Women, this project exemplifies Kamara’s commitment to culturally rich, educational architecture that bridges past and present while showcasing the groundbreaking work of female architects worldwide.

Design Museum director Deyan Sudjic reflects on his unique journey from architectural critic to client in commissioning John Pawson to transform the old Commonwealth Institute into the museum’s new home. Despite the building’s challenging origins—once a drafty, leaky structure with minimal insulation and a budget constrained by post-war rationing—it has been reborn into a versatile cultural space housing treasured exhibitions, archives, and collections. Sudjic praises Pawson’s clarity and patient, listening approach, noting this was the architect’s first public project after a distinguished international career. Drawing parallels with filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s dedication to preserving the original emotional impact throughout a prolonged creative process, Sudjic describes this collaboration as a deeply fulfilling chapter in his career, enriched by a global architectural journey that informed his vision and respect for Pawson’s minimalist mastery.

John Pawson’s design philosophy of “less is more” shines through in his latest book, *John Pawson: Anatomy of Minimum*, which showcases a curated selection of his recent projects spanning private homes, sacred spaces, and repurposed buildings like London’s Design Museum. With an unwavering focus on proportion, light, and architectural essentials, Pawson’s work speaks to simplicity and restraint, where every detail, from windows to utensils, embodies a thoughtful consideration of space and form. Richly illustrated with photography, renderings, and insightful commentary from collaborators and experts, this volume celebrates Pawson’s timeless style that bridges scales and typologies with subtlety and elegance—making it a must-have for architecture enthusiasts and anyone inspired by refined, contemporary living.

The mid-century modern architectural movement emerged from the post-World War II period, marking a fresh start driven by global reconstruction and innovative design principles. Influenced by émigré architects from the Bauhaus school like Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this era embraced steel and concrete framing, open floor plans, and the seamless blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. Styles evolved across regions—from the sculptural and expressive homes of the Sixties to California's famous desert modernism, the warm, natural textures of Nordic design, Japan's crafted and modular houses, and the vibrant, original creations of Latin American architects like Oscar Niemeyer and Luis Barragan. Each style reflected its unique cultural and environmental context but shared an overarching spirit of optimism and innovation that continues to inspire contemporary home design today.

Mid-century modern houses, celebrated for their open-concept living, innovative designs, and timeless appeal, continue to inspire decades after their heyday in the post-war boom era. Spanning the 1940s to the early 1970s, this architectural style is globally celebrated, from iconic West Coast American homes to striking examples in places like Brazil, Finland, and even the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses showcases nearly 400 homes by 290 architects, featuring stunning photography and insightful commentary that highlights their unique histories and enduring influence. More than just buildings, these homes reflect a golden age of creativity and optimism, reshaping how we live with their playful, open, and confident spirit that still resonates today.

Despite enduring glass ceilings in the architecture profession, women have profoundly shaped the field—often outside traditional building roles—by influencing theoretical discourse and challenging conventional design through feminist and participatory approaches. Trailblazers like Jane Jacobs redefined urbanism with a people-centered lens, while cooperative groups like MATRIX empowered women to reshape social and spatial norms. Academia has become a vital arena where feminist spatial practices flourish, with influential figures redefining architecture’s scope and labor. Recognizing educational barriers, emerging online platforms worldwide are expanding access and inclusivity, connecting diverse voices and integrating anti-racism, LGBTQIA perspectives, and equity into architectural discourse. Breaking Ground: Architecture by Women celebrates these contributions, showcasing the vibrant legacy and promise of women shaping the built environment.

Breaking Ground: Architecture by Women is a groundbreaking celebration of exceptional architecture designed exclusively by women, showcasing over 200 remarkable buildings worldwide. The book honors legendary figures like Julia Morgan and Lina Bo Bardi alongside contemporary stars such as Kazuyo Sejima and the late Zaha Hadid, while also shining a spotlight on lesser-known pioneers like Margaret Kropholler and Minnette de Silva. It explores how many talented women have been overshadowed by male colleagues yet made vital contributions to iconic projects and urban landscapes. The collection highlights the intertwined nature of personal and professional lives, emphasizing equal gender roles in practice and care. It also acknowledges influential female architectural academics and thinkers who reshape how we understand architecture today. Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, Breaking Ground invites readers to rethink the history and future of architecture through the lens of women’s creativity and leadership, inspiring a new generation to leave their mark on the built environment.

Houses: Extraordinary Living showcases 400 of the world’s most innovative architect-designed homes, revealing how personal taste and the natural environment shape extraordinary living spaces. Seattle-based architect Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig shares insights from two of his featured projects—a serene seaside retreat in the San Juan Islands and a warm, earth-toned cabin in Mazama—that blend seamlessly into their surroundings through thoughtful design and materials like cedarwood and expansive glass walls. Kundig emphasizes the importance of responding to site, climate, technology, and client needs to create homes that engage their unique contexts, whether urban or natural. Highlighting iconic homes like Albert Frey’s desert-inspired Frey House II and Pierre Chareau’s urban masterpiece Maison de Verre, the book celebrates architectural innovation that harmonizes deeply with place and lifestyle.

Bodies of water have a uniquely calming effect, whether vast or small, still or moving, as explored in the book Living on Water. The article highlights serene architectural masterpieces like Mexico’s Domus Aurea, a luminous homage to Luis Barragán, and Palm Springs’ Palevsky House, blending privacy with Moroccan-inspired walls. Spain’s Casa Ugalde by José Antonio Coderch elegantly integrates terraces and a pool to suit its Mediterranean setting, exemplifying post-war Catalan Modernism. Contrasting these peaceful scenes, Elmgreen & Dragset’s 2009 Venice Biennale installation features a striking image of a well-dressed drowned man in a perfect blue pool, reflecting on the complexities of excess and identity. For deeper dives into these styles and stories, the article recommends several richly illustrated books on modern architecture and art.

Planning a coastal getaway this summer? Discover some of the most stunning beach houses from around the world, showcased in our books *Houses: Extraordinary Living*, *Living on Water*, and *California Captured*. From the ingeniously adaptable House on the Cliff near Granada, Spain, with its auditorium-style living space and breathtaking Mediterranean views, to the seamless indoor-outdoor flexibility of Pole Pass in Washington’s San Juan Islands, these homes blend architecture with nature effortlessly. Explore the pioneering design of California’s Peter Berkey III House by Lutah Maria Riggs, the naturally ventilated Cliff House in Kerala, India, and the nearly invisible Malator House nestled in Wales, UK. Finally, marvel at the futuristic yet organic curves of the Bubble Palace on the French Riviera, embodying the philosophy of “habitology” with its ban on right angles. These extraordinary homes redefine seaside living with innovation, elegance, and harmony with their surroundings.

Celebrating his 97th birthday, legendary Italian-born French designer Pierre Cardin is best known for his futuristic, avant-garde fashion, yet his iconic mid-century summer home, the Palais Bulles or Bubble Palace, wasn’t his creation. Nestled on the Estérel Massif in Cannes, this extraordinary 1975 architectural masterpiece by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag defies tradition with its flowing curves and organic forms, embodying Lovag’s philosophy of “habitology” that embraces nature by banning right angles. Cardin purchased the whimsical, tapioca-like structure in 1992 and listed it for an eye-watering €350 million in 2017, making this surreal seaside sanctuary as remarkable as its famed owner.

Snøhetta, an international architecture practice founded in Norway, embraces a deeply narrative and experiential approach to design that goes beyond sleek aesthetics. Their philosophy centers on crafting journeys—both literal and metaphorical—that immerse users in transformative experiences, from the bustling streets to serene plazas and unexpected architectural forms. Projects like the Oslo Opera House and Times Square pedestrian plazas highlight Snøhetta’s skill in shaping intuitive, inviting spaces that encourage spontaneous social interactions and slow down urban pace. Celebrating three decades of innovation, their work reflects a commitment to collective ownership and creative exploration, underscoring design’s power to foster connection, equity, and surprise in public life. Their new book, *Snøhetta: Collective Intuition*, offers an inspiring look into 24 landmark projects that showcase this unique, collaborative ethos.

Architecture transforms the humble brick—often overlooked as a banal, lowly material—into something invaluable and full of potential, as reflected in William Hall’s celebrated book Brick, now republished in a handy new mini format. Hall’s passion for brick stems from its unique ability to connect people with the tangible and approachable nature of building materials, contrasting with the industrial complexity of steel or concrete. Through stunning examples ranging from ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats to contemporary sculptures and iconic structures like Battersea Power Station, the book reveals brick’s rich history, warmth, and enduring charm. With insightful essays and carefully curated projects, Brick Mini invites both architects and curious creatives to rediscover brick not merely as a backdrop but as a material of wonder and architectural significance.

As Britain’s heatwave peaks with temperatures soaring to 35°C, Londoners seeking refuge from their stuffy offices can escape to three stunning public gardens featured in the new book *Green Escapes*. The Phoenix Garden offers a sustainable urban oasis thriving with wildlife-friendly plants behind the Phoenix Theatre, while the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Garden invites visitors to explore diverse British habitats in a serene setting. Meanwhile, the historic Chelsea Physic Garden, established in 1673, enchants with its beautifully maintained medicinal plant collections and glasshouses. These hidden green gems provide perfect cool-down spots and a refreshing breath of nature in the heart of the city.

Marvin Rand’s iconic photographs of mid-century modern Los Angeles continue to inspire creativity across artistic fields today, notably influencing Martin Andersson, Creative Director at Theory. Drawing on Rand’s images and the city’s distinctive architectural elegance—the interplay of clean, horizontal lines and lush foliage—Andersson crafted Theory’s latest Men’s Pre-Fall collection, blending casual LA sophistication with a pared-down aesthetic. In celebration of this creative fusion, a special exhibition of Rand’s work is on view at Theory galleries in New York and LA, highlighting the enduring dialogue between architecture, design, and fashion. Fans eager to explore the rich story behind the collection and its inspirations can look forward to further insights from Andersson in upcoming interviews and events.

New York collective Snarkitecture is renowned for their minimalist, white designs that invite deeper engagement beyond the surface. Rejecting social media-driven aesthetics, co-founder Ben Porto explains their pared-down palette encourages tactile interaction and focused appreciation of detail. Alex Mustonen adds that while visitors may snap photos, the true reward lies in lingering and having a personal, physical experience with their work. This philosophy will come to life in their upcoming 2018 summer installation, Fun House, at the National Building Museum in Washington DC, which creatively reimagines past projects within a house-like structure—promising an immersive experience rather than a typical retrospective or carnival attraction. Fans can also explore more of their visionary work in the new Snarkitecture book.

Discover five stunning waterside homes perfectly blending serene natural settings with urban proximity, from a minimalist geometric retreat just inside London’s M25 to a sculptural beach house near Sydney, a compact dune-side haven on Shelter Island, a pristine contemporary gem honoring Mexican architectural heritage in Monterrey, and a durable Swedish summerhouse rooted in the Stockholm archipelago. These remarkable residences showcase how modern design and thoughtful site integration create idyllic escapes within easy reach of major cities.

For centuries, home builders focused on keeping water and nature at bay, but modern architects are now embracing these elements, ingeniously integrating bodies of water into living spaces. From Oregon’s Newberg Residence, where a reflecting pond merges the house and forest into a serene tableau, to the Kent coast’s El Ray, which cleverly incorporates a railway carriage within a highly insulated timber structure, these designs showcase harmony with their environments. Finland’s Summer House offers unobtrusive elegance with panoramic water views beneath a sweeping roof that mirrors the landscape, while Maryland’s Loblolly House blends tinted glass and raised columns to echo the surrounding woodland and salt meadow, glowing warmly at sunset. These innovative homes redefine waterside living with nature at their heart.

Snarkitecture has unveiled an imaginative new collection of kitchen islands at the Interior Design Show in Toronto, crafted in collaboration with Caesarstone. Moving beyond the traditional kitchen island concept, these four installations transform quartz slabs into striking topographic landscapes that explore water in its steam, liquid, and ice forms, while a fourth island playfully reinterprets a classic 70’s video game. Designed by Alex Mustonen and Ben Porto to celebrate the kitchen as a vibrant social hub, Altered State merges functional space with interactive art, promising a captivating blend of everyday utility and immersive experience. This innovative work will also feature at Salone del Mobile in Milan, showcasing Snarkitecture's signature blend of creativity and inclusivity.