Product Description

Alvaro Siza (1933) studied at the School of Architecture of the University of Oporto. Between 1955 and 1958 he worked in the studio of Fernando Tavora. he embarked on his professional career with the Boa Nova Restaurant (Leca da Palmeira, 1963). In this initial phase, his works combined modern typology with the vernacular tradition. Nonetheless, he constantly returns to clear volumes, like the great white parallellepiped of Avelino Duarte House (Ovar, 1985), which brings together all his earlier experience of housing typologies, including his major intervention in this area Quinta da Malagueira (Evora, 1977). Since the eighties, he has been commissioned to carry out a wide variety of porjects, ranging from the Santiago de Compostela Museum of Contemporary Art (1993) to the School of Education in Setubal (1992).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1250607 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: German, Italian, English, French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 79 pages

Review
"...clearly translated and competently translated." -- Architectural Science Review

...clearly translated and competently translated.
–Architectural Science Review

The book offers real understanding, the design contex for projects is well covered, and in some cases with passion. I learnt and enjoyed.
–Urban Design

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

From the Publisher
Each volume in this eminently affordable series highlights the work of a renowned 20th century architect. Packed with dazzling four-color photographs of exteriors and interiors, detailed plans, generous layouts and brief, comprehensive texts, these books are both authoritative and attractive, while their convenient size makes them great travel companions. An easy reference for work, school, or play, these colorful introductions to architectural wonders will fill your head with inspiration—without emptying your wallet.

Customer Reviews

A good book of the architect of the moment!
Some people say Siza is the architect of the white! Probably, if whe can understand that the white colour of his facades is the consequence of his absolutly control of plans and forms. He is a genius! This book is a good way to show almost all works of Siza. For me there is only one book that is better than this one: "Alvaro Siza - the book, from ElCroquis".But anyway, buy this book if you want to understand the genius of Alvaro Siza.

Very Good Overview
If you want to get a fine overview of Siza's works, this book might be just fine. It inculdes a short presentation of all of his works, the major buildings are featured more extensively. There are plenty of Siza's beautiful sketches and abstract line drawings might clarify his projects sufficiently (how could the editor oversee that the faculty of Porto is mirrored?). It is remarkable that most of the photos do not present the the projects in the just finished state, but how they look like right now, making plain how gracefully Siza's buildings get older. I have to agree that Le Croquis might show his major buildings more in depth and documents far more Siza's own point of view with two long interviews, however this edition is for sure worth the money.

An Overview
This monograph gives a wide-ranging coverage to both the built, as well as the unbuilt work of Alvaro Siza.
Most project entries contain sketches, images, and line drawings. The images are good quality, Siza's sketches are incredible as always, my only complaint is that the line-drawings tend to be a little small.
The essays vary in quality, but overall, this is the best monograph of Siza's work which I have seen.
I highly recommend this volume.