Book dossier

Water and architecture

by Charles Willard Moore

The interplay of water and architecture has intrigued world-renowned architect Charles W. Moore and internationally acclaimed photographer Jane Lidz for decades. Their mutual interest has resulted in Water and Architecture, a collaboration of vibrant, poetic images and words in which the two reveal the expressive force of water, one of the most powerful and versatile of architectural elements. In his lively, insightful text, Moore first addresses the symbolism of water as a design element, then examines the specific uses of water in a wide spectrum of architectural structures - fountains and waterfalls, rivers and canals, lakes and pools, and oceans and island - concluding with a look at basic design principles and environmental issues. Following each chapter are Lidz's spectacular color photographs - 130 in all - which bring the sites and ideas discussed vividly to life. The inspirational beauty of these images captures the essence of each design. The scope of the book is impressive. The architecture ranges in style from classical to postmodern and includes places both celebrated and secret, from splendid palaces to humble plazas, waterfront skylines to private pools. Equally broad is the worldwide geographical span of the book: Bali, Belgium, China, England, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Spain, Thailand, and the United States are represented in Lidz's photographs. The text sections are accompanied by black-and-white documentary illustrations and architectural plans. A comprehensive list of the color photographs and an index round out this magnificent volume, which speaks not only to architects and designers but also to lovers of art, photography, gardens, and travel - to anyone who has ever been enthralled by the mystical power of water.