WOOD

Following the popularity of Concrete (2012) and Brick (2015), Wood is a fresh, insightful and surprising look at one of the world's most familiar and well-liked materials. Since at least the Neolithic period, people have lived and worked in timber buildings. Over the centuries architects have created exquisite tree-top retreats, fairytale Tudor manors, Japanese temples and majestic religious buildings all around the world. Featuring 170 structures from the last 1 000 years, the book includes works by some of the world's most celebrated architects - from Renzo Piano's otherworldly Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre to FOA's sprawling timber landscape for the Yokohama International Ferry Terminal and Le Corbusier's humble roomsized log cabin, Le Cabanon - demonstrating the startling variety of structures the material has created. Lesser-known newcomers have created some equally striking and memorable structures, from the Spain Pavilion at Shanghai Expo, with its remarkable layered wicker facade to the stunning Knarvik Community Church in Norway. Wood is a beautiful and informative visual exploration of a natural material that has inspired architects for generations, and that harbours an extraordinary range of qualities, potential and expression.