DOM publishers
Автор Meuser Philipp

Описание:
Amid the endless plains of Kazakhstan, an extraordinary architectural experiment has arisen: Astana. Formerly an outpost of the Tsarist Empire in the barren steppe, the location had developed into a typical Soviet provincial town. However, both internationally renowned and local architects are now designing spectacular and unique buildings in this dynamic city. Furthermore, Astana will host the Expo 2017 which will take place only twenty years after the city was built in the steppe alongside the old centre. The Astana Architectural Guide documents eighty diverse buildings and projects in the Kazakh metropolis, which was masterplanned by Kisho Kurokawa, and examines the contradictory nature at play within oriental traditions, western models and Soviet influences. Therefore, this publication represents a critical analysis of architecture and capital city planning in the centre of Eurasia.

Описание:
Prefabricated housing has long since ceased to mean the disfigurement of the urban landscape with monotonous grey boxes. Particularly in Central Europe and Russia, modern assembly methods and 100 years of experience in planning prefabricated buildings and constructing with large panels are experiencing a renaissance. Whereas predominantly in Moscow - the largest European metropolis with seventeen million - prefabricated housing is an essential instrument for the provision of residential assistance, prefabrication methods in Germany and Switzerland, for example, are used to build exclusive properties. This construction manual examines the potential of prefabricated housing on structural, historical and architectural grounds. In addition to an insight into the methods of production and assembly, roughly twenty selected examples are presented in large-format photographs, plans rich in detail and meaningful diagrams, providing a contribution to the discussion on affordable housing.

Описание:
This publication on the work of the Russian architect Galina Balashova presents a unique collection of designs for Soviet cosmonautics. These include plans and design drawings for both Soyuz capsules and space stations such as Salyut and Mir. Balashova acted as a consultant to the Buran programme, the Soviet equivalent of the US American Space Shuttle. Faced with the duty of demonstrating architectural creativity in manned space capsules, Balashova's remarkable accomplishments when entrusted with this unprecedented task make an impressive read. Striving for harmony and beauty, the architect strikes an emotional chord in the high-tech world of propulsion rockets, laboratories and survival equipment. Therefore, it is due to Balashova's talent that a unique chapter has been added to Soviet architectural history. Her exceptional achievements, including designs for medals and emblems, are still scarcely known today - even in Russia. Galina Balashova currently lives in Korolev, near Moscow.

Описание:
Accessible architecture is about much more than wide doorways and low-placed light switches. Accessibility means independent and self-reliant living and mobility for people of all ages and in any situation in life. Enabling this requires a clear awareness of the related concepts and principles that need to be adopted into the planning at an early stage. This manual presents both public buildings and orientation systems in the fields of culture, transport, and education, as well as examples from the worlds of work and health. Informative essays provide an insight into the theory of signage, while selected projects are described from the perspective of Design for All.