10 sought-after books for design lovers

10 sought-after books for design lovers. Geoffrey Bawa to Carlo Scarpa and more, these titles are collector’s items that also make for interesting gifts.

Your book collection is often a reflection of your interests and when one of them is design, there’s no dearth of titles that you can stock up. They also make for great gifts whether it is for adding to someone’s reading collection or for their display of coffee table books.

Vinay Sachdeva of Page3 Bookshop in Bengaluru that specialises in all kinds of design books, recommends these 10 collectibles that have stood the test of time, and are the perfect addition to a design enthusiast’s library. The bookstore that has a pan-India delivery, has collaborations with over 100 global publishing houses and distributors, leading to a large repository of design books. Take your pick from these recommendations.

This hardcover published by Rizzoli gives a peek into Chinese design where Gong Dong’s architecture marries the craftsmanship of the old with the requirements of the modern world. Founder of the award-winning firm Vector Architects, Dong is known for his sustainable and eco-sensitive construction. This beautifully illustrated book presents the firm’s most commendable works, and is the first one to document it in English. From the Seashore Chapel that makes a unique statement whilst drawing parallels between Le Corbusier and Tadao Ando, to other interesting projects, it’s a feast for those with a keen design eye.

Revered Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa is known as the master of architecture of the 20th century, and his teachings remain relevant even today. Known for his play of materials and balancing the new with the old, Scarpa’s works find their way into this hardcover by Rizzoli. The book, which was launched to mark his centenary, includes all his works, presented for the first time. From the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona to the Olivetti Showroom in Venice, and his glass designs, it has it all. There are also essays by architects and architecture critics giving readers an overview of Scarpa’s life as well as interpretations of his architecture.

Get a good look into the homes of some of the most prestigious artists from around the world as this volume by Rizzoli takes you inside these private residences. These international artists span the globe, taking you from New York to New Delhi and Johannesburg to Buenos Aires, among others. Shot by Jean-François Jaussaud with words by Tiqui Atencio Demirdjian, the book features homes of several artists, including names such as Claire Tabouret, Guillermo Kuitca, Subodh Gupta and Bharti Kher. Combining art and interiors, it gives us a real view of how artists love their personal spaces to be designed.

Published by Gestalten, Soft Minimal is a 304-page hardcover that showcases works of Germany-based Norm Architects. Taking readers on a sensory journey of architecture and design, the book highlights the firm’s humane simplicity that helps shape environments which feel just as good as they look. The essence of Norm Architects’ style is balance in everything, guided by the purpose of wellbeing. This first, self-curated monograph by the firm highlights a range of their works including residential and commercial projects in Scandinavia, Italy and Japan. Their creative process blends Nordic traditions with modernist principles using natural materials, creating poetic visuals.

Another coffee table collectible from Gestalten, this book delves into finding the sweet spot where nature and modern-day living meet. Focussing on natural homes and biophilic architecture, it delivers solutions for a perfect blend of both these worlds. The book draws the reader’s attention to stunning architecture and interiors incorporating nature into their designs. From homes to workplaces and more, it showcases equilibrium for that ever-elusive balance between tranquillity, technology, work and play. Blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, these structures let nature take over architecture, creating an ambience that provides respite amidst everyday chaos.