Product Description

Lofts, by definition, are former commercial spaces that have been converted for residential use and living/working environments. But lofts, by design, are vast silent expanses, soaring arches, stalwart steel girders, massive beams, and all the powerful drama of a curtain-time stage set. The importance of urban loft design for the architectural and design world is highlighted in this collection of the finest, most dramatic of these transformed spaces.

Features six categories-minimalist, fifties revival, modernist, deconstructionalist, multi-purpose, and post-industrialist-from six major international cities-New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, London, Paris, and Tokyo

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #598918 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

From Library Journal
Loft living began as an inexpensive way to gain large spaces in centrally located urban or industrial areas and eventually became an acceptable, even chic, living arrangement. Both of these books show the high end of loft living: large spaces that have been gutted of their original walls and fixtures and professionally planned by architects and interior designers. Molnar's book concentrates on New York lofts (although the latter part of the book shows lofts from around the United States and the world). The styles illustrated are modern and minimalistic. Vance's book concentrates on English lofts that almost resemble traditional homes in their design and arrangement. Both of these beautifully illustrated books will be excellent additions to professional and school collections and could be useful in urban public libraries where this style of living is available.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
A great find for loft lovers. -- Style At Home, April 2000

A surprisingly fresh look at an architectural style that is already in danger of becoming an urban cliché. -- House & Garden, October 1999

About the Author
Felicia Eisenberg Molnar is a Los Angeles-based design and architecture writer who specializes in architecture and design. As an editor, she has produced publications for both the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles. Her articles on architecture and design appear regularly in the United States and Europe. Ms. Molnar also provides public relations, marketing, and communications services to professionals, manufacturers, and organizations involved in architecture, design, furnishings, and art.

Customer Reviews

Lofts New Designs for Urban Living
I bought this book on the strong recommendation of the other reviewers and was disappointed. I have bought 8 books on the subject of lofts and this is my least favorate. The photos are generic architect shots, the layout bland and the printing is flat and sometimes fuzzy, and just unappealing.

Check out Living in Space and the International Book of Lofts.

I have to wonder if the other reviewers are friends of the author...

(Just my opinion, your milage may vary...)

Nothing new here
The good thing about this book is that it does show pictures of lofts....that's about it. It showcased some lofts that have been pictured in other books before, and the picture quality is not always the best(at times the photographs look as though they were taken twenty years ago or with bad film). I usually read my design books but after about halfway through, I just looked at the pictures. Save your money for something else.

Rather excellent
I have only really studied 3 loft books and this would be my second favorite.

The author looks at Manhattan lofts exclusively for one half of the book and uses the other half for projects all over the world. All in all, her selection is good in that the reader gets a fair sense of what is currently happening in the design of these spaces (lofts). You usually get about 3-4 color photos per loft, a short description and floor plan.

Overall, a great book and source of inspiration if you find yourself with an abandoned, urban space and about a million dollars.