New Loftspace Design

by Daab Publishing

The loft as we know it today is quite different from its original conception during the 1960s, when this typology of residence became popularized to reconvert warehouses that artists maintained with very few means. Today a loft can simply imply an open-plan, diaphanous and flexible space that alludes to an industrial aesthetic through exposed materials like steel and wood. New materials and design techniques have produced a new generation of lofts that have transformed it into a sophisticated asset desired by many. This selection bears proof of this growing trend, offering a wide variety of design solutions for today’s contemporary loft.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Daab Publishing was established by Ralf Daab. It published art and architecture books.

Reviews

[Leani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two reasons for the "It was okay"-rating of 2 stars:. 1) The editorial quality was poor. At least 3 of the 23 apartments contained two photos that were practically identical. If you must show the loft in only 5 or 7 photos, there is no sense in duplication. In some lofts, the photos selected disproportionately represent one area / room, dedicating perhaps only 1 photo to all the rest. The second bedroom (where it exists) is very rarely shown, and other spaces (e.g. pantry, entrance hall) almost never. I understand that these may not be priorities, but the complete lack of these is an editorial choice which I find disappointing. Surely somewhere an architect had an innovative solution worth showcasing?!

Secondly, on a subjective level I did not particularly enjoy it. Even the things I found informative (suchs as the use of drywalling and glass in the interior or the arrangement of seating) are of no more than mild interest. That, however, is my own fault / choice, not an inherent weakness of the book.