The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture

I purchased this book on my second year of university studying architecture, after seeing someone else who had this. (feels like such a long time ago) It was such an invaluable resource to me in my studies! It's wonderfully bound, has a lot of nice write ups and contains a lot of valuable information and inspiration. The picture quality is outstanding, and some of the buildings even feature sketches or one of two plans, elevations or cross sections. Some years later I even used some of the sources in this book as reference, during my thesis. If you are a student and can afford this book, it is a wonderful investment. Yes, in my opinion, I think it is a bit eurocentric. It has big omissions in regards to wonderful architecture in Africa and Central America in particular. it is not perfect by any means. Please also consider that, some of the buildings featured here overlap with some of the other Phaidon architecture books, If you have some of the other popular ones. But this does not detract from the value of the content itself. If you are a parent, or love someone who is studying to become or is already an architect, and you are feeling very generous... this would make a wonderful gift... if the recipient has somewhere to put it! Yes, that is a warning. This is a very big and heavy book! It even comes with it's own carry case (or it did when I purchased it anyway. don't hold me to that) It doesn't even fit in a backpack. I did take it too school many times, but it was as hands full operation! Be warned.

Was a gift.

u must have it, but you will never use it after first time, it's really not practical, it' heavy and hard to use it every time you need some ideas, you gonna grab your medium size book, trust me it's not practical, BUT u mast have it if u'r architect :)Pros: lots of information, almost everythingCons: too heavy and not practical

As you can gather from the other reviews the book is as big as everyone says it is. However, the title really describes what it is. An atlas which is a collection of glimpses of some of the most impressive projects over the last 8-10 years. It is useful as a reference and as a starting point for investigating projects of recent times as most are in there.For an Australian point of view it was great to see some of the impressive works being created in this country - even though they tend to be skewed towards private residences.Overall well worth adding to the collection, as a source of inspiration. It even encourages me to design as I was forced to design a new bookshelf to store it in.

Excellent & definitive resource. Beautiful oversize book design & gorgeous photos from around the world. Interior Design Magazine rated this book in their Top 100 Favorite Things. It is truly an awesome book. I use it as a reference in my interior architecture practice with clients. A classic book to enjoy...

Hundreads of proyects from all over the world. I bought it used and it was in great conditions.Really usefull for finding proyects for further investigation in the internet or other sources. It is not at all a book to carry around, extremely heavy

My son recently graduated with an Architectural Degree and this was one of the many books he wanted. I purchased it for him has a gift and he loves! It is a big book!

My dad teaches art at a university, and loves this book for great images of perspective.I love the book because the architecture is freaking amazing.It's an amazing compilation.

Fabulous

Keeping my father busy!

As i wish