The Architecture Concept Book by James Tait (Thames and Hudson, 2018)
REVIEW Paul Dolick
Images James Tait
From conception to realization, understanding the architectural design process can feel like a fool?s game. Design inspiration can emerge from seemingly nowhere and its creative application tends to, more often than not, feel circuitous and elusive to the uninitiated. And so it is with considerable ambition and unlikely success that author and architect James Tait has written The Architecture Concept Book, an insightful primer for students and young professionals looking to formulate and develop enduring architectural design strategies.
In his book, Tait offers clear guidance on how to assess, analyze, augment and assemble meaningful architectural experiences. Using an effective balance of text, diagrams, and seminal historical case studies, the book covers a broad spectrum of topics. These range from the lofty provision of numinous awe and wonder through ?the warp and weft of the rational and irrational? to more practical concerns such as how to organize and express a building?s vital but often overlooked mechanical, electrical and plumbing services. Stair details: at top, sculptural stair forms; in middle, the collision of balustrade and newel post and an alternative design with a seamless transition; at bottom, using stair rise to find the right speed of travel and a floating step to mark a new level.
Admirably, Tait raises a personal concern for the political apath...