Architecture Without Rules: The Houses of Marcel Breuer and Herbert Beckhard

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for an Architecture Enthusiast
Review: An in-depth analysis of collaborated works between Marcel Breur & Herbert Beckhard through their professional lives together. They are conveyed as architects who get along well with one another both professionally & personally. Marcel Breur is depicted as an architect that didn't want to force his idea upon his clients but respecting their wishes despite in some instances, that compromised with his vision of how the final outcome should be like. Ironically, thru interaction with his clients that his greatest works are produced which are discussed in detail in this book. A chapter is dedicated for every & each houses that are worth mentioning. We are told of Japanese influence upon their work, the usage of natural material in their works i.e the international style buildings which are rampant during their time. All the works are displayed in black & white photos but towards the end, colour photos are shown & that's when everything hit you as you're able to see the buildings from the other perspective. Morevoer, building layouts are provided as well. I guess the exclusion of colour in the beginning is enabling us to appreciate the form more rather than been confused with the detraction, ie. colour. To be honest, it works well in this instance. I also enjoy the layout of the book. It is easy to read, and informative. In a way, this is a semi-biography book of those 2 famous architects. Towards the end, it's heart touching to read about Herbert's reflection on the day when Marcel handed him a note, wanted him to announce to the firm that he would be retiring thereafter. It's interesting also to read about Richard Meier's beginning in Marcel's firm as well.

Rating:
Summary: A highly illuminating and accessible book.
Review: An in-depth analysis of collaborated works between Marcel Breur & Herbert Beckhard through their professional lives together. They are conveyed as architects who get along well with one another both professionally & personally. Marcel Breur is depicted as an architect that didn't want to force his idea upon his clients but respecting their wishes despite in some instances, that compromised with his vision of how the final outcome should be like. Ironically, thru interaction with his clients that his greatest works are produced which are discussed in detail in this book. A chapter is dedicated for every & each houses that are worth mentioning. We are told of Japanese influence upon their work, the usage of natural material in their works i.e the international style buildings which are rampant during their time. All the works are displayed in black & white photos but towards the end, colour photos are shown & that's when everything hit you as you're able to see the buildings from the other perspective. Morevoer, building layouts are provided as well. I guess the exclusion of colour in the beginning is enabling us to appreciate the form more rather than been confused with the detraction, ie. colour. To be honest, it works well in this instance. I also enjoy the layout of the book. It is easy to read, and informative. In a way, this is a semi-biography book of those 2 famous architects. Towards the end, it's heart touching to read about Herbert's reflection on the day when Marcel handed him a note, wanted him to announce to the firm that he would be retiring thereafter. It's interesting also to read about Richard Meier's beginning in Marcel's firm as well.

Rating:
Summary: A highly illuminating and accessible book.
Review: So many architectural books can get lost in jargon, but this one never does. It's extremely readable, and its insights into the work and careers of Marcel Breuer and Herbert Beckhard are always on point and thought-provoking. The book also happens to be handsomely produced, with lots of back-and-white and color photographs of their finished work. This book is essential, I think, as a reference, and a pleasure to read throughout.