Candela

Taschen Basic Architecture

by Enrique X. de Anda Alanís

The focus of this monograph on Spanish-born Félix Candela (1919–1997) is on modern Mexican architecture and its international influence. Conducting daring structural experiments with materials such as reinforced concrete and experimenting with shell vaulting to find new methods to save costs and material in building, Candela not only succeeded in putting his engineering knowledge into high quality constructions but also into high quality architecture. Geometry marks his impressive sculptural work, not only in the industrial buildings but also in churches, restaurants, university buildings, and sport facilities. With this book, readers are invited to discover how construction problems result in poetic and bizarre forms, and how advances in engineering can lead to expressionist architecture.

Genres: Architecture

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Carolina Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma leitura leve mas informativa. Reforço o meu apreço por esta colecção que por um preço módico dá a conhecer o trabalho de inúmeros profissionais com cujo nome não me cruzei na Universidade. De Candela interessou-me a procura do estilo do tempo para o material do tempo - o betão - e a forma experimental como testava as suas formas livres.

[Dovydas · Rating 3 out of 5]

its a small introduction to his work, does the job and provides a good jumping off point for further digging

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably most of these stars are for the topic not not the writing in this instance. The writing was not fluid enough to match Candela's architecture, and I walk away knowing there is much I still have to go find out. It was apparent that in this book much was lost in terms of clarity and comprehensiveness in an effort to make it fit with the series' brief and non-complex manner.

But, in happier news, we have a winner for My Favorite Architect. Anyone who can make me appreciate poured concrete ought to get a prize.