Wunderkammer (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780300197983)

An alluring glimpse into magnificent Cornell-like boxes created by some of the world's leading architects and designers

Inspired by the idea of the wunderkammer--"wonder-room" or "cabinet of curiosities"--that originated during the Renaissance, world-renowned architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien invited 35 celebrated architects and designers from around the world to create their own wunderkammers, filling boxes with objects that inspire them. This delightful book gathers together the varied, evocative wunderkammers along with accompanying statements by their architect-creators, including such luminaries as Shigeru Ban, Toyo Ito, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Peter Eisenman, Steven Holl, Richard Meier, Murray Moss, Di b do Francis Ker , Juhani Pallasmaa, Elias Torres, and Peter Zumthor.

An introduction by Williams and Tsien explains their fascination with the wunderkammer and looks at their own history of collecting. The boxes, each spotlighted in its own section, are explored through each architect's essay; working drawings and sketchbook pages; construction and installation photos; a list of the items contained; and a photograph of the final box. Wunderkammer offers a new way to think about art and inventiveness, collection and meaning in everyday objects.

Author: Tod Williams, Billie Tsien
ISBN-10: 0300197985
ISBN-13: 9780300197983
Publisher: Yale University Press
Language: English
Published: 12/10/2013
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.48lbs
Size: 8.67h x 6.23w x 0.83d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 11/11/2013