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Buildings I have built
Whether architect Norman Forster is a man of few words I know not, but certainly this book, celebrating 40 years of his practice, employs a bare minimum. At the outset of each chapter a proposition is made and then the pictures do the talking. Reflections is divided into nine themed chapters, each taking as its departure point a small ‘iconic’ image which illustrates some aspect of Forster’s inspiration. Each is followed by a series of beautifully printed monochrome studies of structures created by the Forster & Partners practice, sourced from a variety of photographers, and which expand on the theme set at the beginning of the chapter. Aside of a brief introduction by the architect, the only texts are short elaborations on the theme illustrated by each of the nine ‘icons’, exploring some aspect of architecture and what it is that makes it tick. For a contemporary book on architecture to be illustrated solely in black and white is perhaps unusual, but, as it records a career which began well before the ubiquitous use of colour, it provides a level playing field for the eye to concentrate on shape and form, light and shade - as well as scale, juxtaposition and perspective; the vocabulary of architecture. Here we have two examples of the themes the book explores while showcasing Foster’s work. Above, where Forster refers to the “valuable lessons to be learned from regional traditions - for example, using louvred canopies or oversailing roofs to deflect the heat of the sun ... and the poetic dimensions of architecture - such as the fleeting effects of shadow patterns.” The facing example shows the new in juxtaposition with the old: “Old and new can coexist with integrity and without apology. ... In buildings that have evolved over time the original layers of history can often be understood more readily when seen alongside the new.”
Reflections, by Norman Forster, is published by Prestel, £39.00 hardback, ISBN 3-7913-3424-5.
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