A look back at 2015 book releases in architecture

Tom Miller's 'Seeking New York' takes a look at stories behind some of Manhattan's architecture and monuments. – AFP pic, December 27, 2015.2015 saw the release of dozens of new books on architecture from Lego to African Modernism. Here's a look at some of this year's highlights.   

"Architecture Now!," by Philp Jodidio

The 10th volume of this best-selling series examines contemporary architecture and some of today's practices. It covers over 70 projects around the world. Laid out in thematic sections, it features some of today's most well-known architects as well as up-and-coming talents.

"The Future of Architecture in 100 buildings," by Marc Kushner

Architect and Architizer.com founder Marc Kushner explores the interaction between social media and architecture. Kushner examines 100 buildings, from a pavilion made of paper to an inflatable concert hall and how the public has become architectural photographers through smartphone technology. The book acts as a guide to the structural world developing around us and how it is influenced by social media, which ensures constant interaction between architecture and the public.

John Zukowsky explores 100 buildings that have stirred up debate in his book. – AFP pic, December 27, 2015."Why on Earth Would Anyone Build That: Modern Architecture Explained," by John Zukowsky

If at times you find yourself perplexed by some of the architecture springing up around you, this book may offer some guidance. The author explores 100 buildings that have stirred up debate and examines their construction and the motivation behind their design, while taking into account biographical and cultural influences on the architects.

"Seeking New York: The Stories Behind the Historic Architecture of Manhattan – One Building at a Time," by Tom Miller

This book takes a look at the stories behind some of Manhattan's architecture and monuments. It goes beyond simply detailing the architects involved and examines the social history of their development, including the personal lives of the people involved. Did you know, for example, that Maisie Plant convinced her husband to sell his Fifth Avenue palazzo to Cartier for 100 dollars and a pearl necklace? That is just one among many of the unusual, often overlooked facts in the development of today's Manhattan that this book covers.

"African Modernism: The Architecture of Independence: Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Zambia," by Manuel Herz

Manuel Herz takes a look at how national identity was expressed through architecture in these countries following independence in the early 1950s and 60s. He explores the relationship between several architectural projects and the forging of new nations. The book is illustrated with 700 photos detailing the architecture that was spawned in these African nations.

'Architecture Visionaries' covers 75 of the world's most influential and pioneering architects. – AFP pic, December 27, 2015."Architecture Visionaries," by Richard Weston

This book presents the history of 20th century architecture through the personal lives of leading architects and their works. It covers 75 of the world's most influential and pioneering architects and the impact of their work on our surroundings. It is laid out in chronological order, allowing the reader to understand how 20th century architecture developed over time.

"The Urbanism of Frank Lloyd Wright," by Neil Levine

Entirely devoted to Frank Lloyd Wright's designs for the urban landscape, this book sheds new light on the architect's work and places them within their respective historical and cultural context. It highlights Wright's conception of urbanism from the early projects around the turn of the century for the urban neighbourhood landscape to designs for commercial, mixed-use civic and cultural centers from the 1920s to the 50s. The book contains extensive drawings, plans, maps and new photos from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives.

"Hypernatural: Architecture's New Relationship with Nature," by Blaine Brownell and Marc Swackhamer

Brownell and Swackhamer present 42 international case studies in the emerging biomimicry movement in architecture that seeks to design "intelligent" buildings through the use of innovative methods and materials. The projects in this book range from a pavilion designed to wilt into the surrounding Red Wood Forest, to a media lab pavilion built by the threads of silkworms as they pass over scaffolding. These examples show how nature can inspire design that is more efficient and sustainable.

"Pedestrian Zones: Car Free Urban Spaces," by Chris van Uffelen

This book examines the latest trends in urban planning that include developing entire neighbourhoods that are car free. No longer are pedestrian zones limited to shopping districts but they now encompass large areas and involve new design variations. Chris van Uffelen presents case studies to illustrate the integration of green leisure areas and concepts that enhance the car-free space with culture and art. The movement towards expanded pedestrian urban areas in growing and is considered to be the model of 21st century cities.

"The LEGO Architect," by Tom Alphin

'The Lego Architect' offers a fun and informative look at architecture through the use of LEGO. – AFP pic, December 27, 2015.Tom Alphin offers a fun and informative look at architecture through the use of LEGO. It covers designs from Neoclassical, Art Deco, Modernism and Postmodernism. Each style is illustrated with photos of real buildings and explanations of the work, along with LEGO replicas of the structures by artists from around the world. Also included are instructions on how to build your own LEGO model of the works featured in the book. – AFP, December 27, 2015.