"Beginning in the late 19th century, the ready availability of large panes of glass, plus the development of non load-bearing structures and sophisticated heating and cooling systems, have allowed an astonishing aesthetic relationship to develop between the window and the building as a whole. Since Le Corbusier's pioneering 'Five points of architecture' of 1926, in which he advocated 'ribbon windows placed freely in the façade', architects have embraced the opportunity to make a prominent architectural statement, resulting in the wholesale aesthetic exploitation of the window. Over 40 examples have been chosen here by [the] author, leaving no doubt that the window continues to be a key site of creative architectural endeavour. Projects by some of the world's leading designers, including Rem Koolhaas, Shigeru Ban, and Jean Nouvel, illustrate the unlimited design potential of the window, as well as the breadth of creativity demonstrated by contemporary architects. Five chapters ... provide case studies of some of the most inventive domestic, public, commercial, and retail architecture from around the world. Each project is richly illustrated with colour photographs and architectural drawings and is accompanied by a lively and incisive text"--Bookjacket.
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