Santiago Calatrava: Secret Sketchbook

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Summary: Wonderful Union of the Mind, the Hand and the Eye
Review: Calatrava s sensational forms and expression are forms of nature manifested in concrete, metal and glass. His structures are powerful and accessible.One is intoxicated by their mythical quality. Their presence enrich the environment instead of overwhelming it. Calatrava s poetic vision carries us into the transcendental realm. This book provides those with great exposure of his oeuvre who have not seen his work. It is so inspiring to see his watercolor studies. It gives one good insight of where he is coming from. And this once again proves that one does not have too far to find beauty and inspiration. It is all in us and around us. Yet one wishes to see some architectural drawings (plans etc.)which would enable us to examine his structures more in detail. Finally I can assure you that this book is a great bargain with very successful photographic images and comprehensive multilingual background info.

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Summary: A complete and almost up-to-date view of Calatrava's work
Review: This book, first published in Italy in 1998, has an interesting coverage of many projects by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava since his early works in 1983. Many pictures, most in black and white, plans and sketches, although in reduced size, give a good idea of these projects. Some of them are shown in model or under construction, although now (Nov. 2000) finished (like Oriente Station in Lisbon)or almost finished (expansion of the Modern Art Museum of Milwaukee, USA). A good choice for people seeking a compact sized publication with most black and white and some color references.