Product Description

As one of the most important exponents of American minimal art, Donald Judd (1928–1994) has exerted a lasting influence in the field of architecture. Among the lesser-known aspects of his work is a large collection of architectural designs, which explore the relationship of architecture and art. Of special importance for Judd’s work in this field is a former military fort in Marfa, Texas, part of which he purchased and then, beginning in 1971, systematically transformed into one of the largest existing ensembles of contemporary art.

This book is the first to address Judd’s built work from an architectural perspective. With this in view, the Marfa buildings have for the first time been carefully measured and drawn to scale by the author and his students. Using standard CAD drawings together with historical and contemporary photographs, this volume illustrates Judd’s architectural alterations to the buildings in Marfa, and discusses and describes them in its accompanying text. The result is an invaluable source of inspiration for contemporary architecture.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #658139 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-12
• Original language: German
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 151 pages

About the Author

Urs Peter Flückiger was born in Switzerland and lives in Lubbock, Texas with his family. He is a professional architect and also teaches at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. From 2001 to 2005, he measured and thoroughly drew and documented Judd’s Marfa buildings with his students.

Customer Reviews

Very In Depth. Great Documentation
This book is a great resource. The photo documentation is very extensive for each project. Its also nice to have all the plans, sections, and elevations. Flueckiger did a great job. A must have for any architect or student interested in the work of Donald Judd.

A very thorough and beautiful look at Judd's work...
I'm naturally biased about this book because I was lucky enough to have Urs Peter Fluckiger (Upe) as a professor at Texas Tech University. In fact, he was the first person to introduce me and my fellow classmates to Donald Judd in a freshman class called Design Environment and Society. I had the opportunity to hear Upe talk personally about Donald Judd and his influence in the field of Architecture.

When I bought this book, I was eager to see how well Upe's enthusiasm and passion about Donald Judd's work and philosophies would shine through. I was very satisfied then when the book arrived. The picture of the book's cover on Amazon doesn't do it justice. It's a very beautiful book with a great feel to it. Inside are wonderful drawings depicting everything including site plans, both of Marfa, showing where all of Donald Judd's projects are, and of the individual projects themselves. Each building is shown in plan, elevation, and section; giving the reader a great understanding of all Judd's completed works.

Along side the drawings are beautiful photographs; some of which show the building's lives before Judd's touch was applied to them. The photos do a great job of documenting Judd's lifelong work and come very close to capturing what it's like to see the works in person.

Most importantly though is Upe's commentary. His words give the reader a good basic knowledge of what brought Judd to Marfa and why Judd's legacy should include his architectural abilities along side his artistic methodologies and curating beliefs. Both in German and English.

If I had one criticism of this book, it's that the book lacks more personally touches by Upe. From first hand experience, Professor Fluckiger has so many beautiful sketches, stories and memories involving Donald Judd and Marfa, TX. I'm sure he was tempted to include some little tidbits here and there, but decided against it. It would detract from the main subject at hand.

I wonder if Donald Judd would like this book? I really think he would. I never met the man, and certainly couldn't speak for him, but if I was an influential, minimalist, creative spirit who laid eyes on Marfa, TX and thought it was the perfect place to permanently present my architectural and sculptural work...I would be proud if this book was made about me and my work.