Bruno Minardi: No.51 (Architectural Monographs) - Tapa blanda

Although the designs and writings of Italian architect and professor, Bruno Minardi have been published internationally, this is the first monograph on his work to appear in English. Theoretical in its approach, with an incisive text by Kenneth Frampton, this beautiful volume presents the architect's recurring themes of attention to context and rapport with existing architecture. In addition to essays and articles written by the architect, it features projects throughout Europe, with a focus on those in Italy, as well as a selection of his watercolours and etchings.

Architectural Monographs No 51 Bruno Minardi This is the first book in English exclusively devoted to the work of the Italian architect Bruno Minardi (b. 1946). Based in Ravenna and Milan,and Professor of Architecture at the University of Venice, he is often viewed as part of the Rationalist tradition. Minardi, however, is keen not to be classified as part of any movement: 'I am not influenced specifically by other architects, rather by the buildings around us.' His work is informed by a theoretical approach and a respect for tradition founded not in imitation but analogy. From this arises a vocabulary of formal types - 'a catalogue of essential elements characterised by latent classicism' - drawn not only from architecture but also from aspects of the industrial landscape such as the repeated lean-to workshop roofs of the Venice Arsenale and the large cylindrical forms of industrial tanks. Stressing that architecture is always part of an existing urban context, and that it should grow from local building traditions and climatic considerations rather than intellectual choice in the abstract, Minardi considers himself 'a naturalist rather than a rationalist'. This monograph, with a foreword by Kenneth Frampton and an introduction by Paolo Portoghesi, is designed and written in close association with Bruno Minardi. It presents 55 of his most important projects ranging from social and private housing, schools, museums, company headquarters and office complexes, to restorations and the restructuring of urban areas. Schemes featured include those for council housing (1977-78) and the restoration of the Malatesta Castle (1981-95), both in Cesena, housing in the former Dreher Brewery (1980) in Venice, the San Niccolo Fish Weir (1986) in Florence, and San Nicola Port (1993) in the Tremiti Islands. The highly successful Architectural Monographs series focuses on individuals of international stature who have been influential in practice and in education. Each monograph is designed to reflect the style of the architect featured, providing an invaluable record of the work and an important source book for further study. Recent Monographs include: Santiago Calatrava No 46 Imre Makovecz No 47 Future Tents Limited No 48 Antoine Predock No 49 Tom Kovac No 50