Phaidon Atlas Of 21st Century World Architecture Book Makes Ideal Gift

Some people are hard to shop for, or alternatively you don't know someone well enough to get them something they really like. Then you have the added pressure of the Holiday season closely coming to its apex, and you are left stressing about what to get for those important people in your life. Usually the idea of a book doesn't get ones juices flowing as the idea of an exciting gift, but that isn't always the case. Here you have just one good example, of a world of image-rich publications that make a stunning presentation, and provide hours of interest. It is hard to go wrong.

This book is the Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture from Phaidon Press. Call it a coffee table book, but it is one that people will want to look through a lot. The big book is about 20 lbs and 800 pages of pictures and detail rich content that is perfect for anyone with even a mild interest in architecture. I can't put the book down - each full page is dedicated to a specific structure, complete with technical layouts, photographs, and discussions of the building function, design, and about the architect. Structures include single family homes to massive complexes. Further, the book is arranged into color-coded sections by continent. That makes it easy to see the differences in architecture by region as well as culture.

Remember that the Atlas contains new buildings, all from the 21st century. You really get an incredible survey of how varied modern architecture really is. In addition to this publication, Phaidon produces a range of topical publications that would likely suit just about anyone, of any age or interest type. A great gift or for yourself. I just got too excited about this book not to blog about it. Retail price is $195, available direct from Phaidon.