“Flicking through the book… you’ll discover all manner of vintage cigarette holders, ranging from cheap promotional items given away by New York nightclubs to extravagant versions crafted by the likes of Tiffany, Fabergé, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.” South China Morning Post The book offers an unprecedented look at cigarette holders through a selection of approximately 125 pieces from the collection of Carolyn Hsu-Balcer. Its introductory essay is both a social history of that world-changing leaf, tobacco, and a design history of its accoutrements. It examines the history of smoking from its pre-Columbian roots in the Americas through to the present-day worldwide e-cigarette craze, taking the reader on a journey from tobacco smoking as a sacred ritual, through the controversies of its worldwide spread, and the machine-rolled cigarette’s role in the world wars and as a tool for European and American women’s equality. Following the illustrated essay is a luxurious catalogue of newly commissioned photography that makes these diminutive objects pop off the pages with brilliant colour and form. The collection includes cigarette holders in their simplest incarnations – the disposable promotional holders given away at trendy New York nightclubs – to their most exquisite – the work of Fabergé, Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels and other renowned jewellers of the late nineteenth- and twentieth-centuries. Contents: Foreword by Carolyn Hsu-Balcer; Introduction; Chapter 1: Tobacco’s Journey from the New World to the Old: Medicine and Pleasure; Chapter 2: The Rise of Cigarette Culture: The Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries; Chapter 3: Smoking, Sociability, and a New Modern Era: From the First World War to the Second; Chapter 4: The Cigarette Holder’s Peak and Fall: A New Culture of Smoking; Catalog; Appendix: Materials Used in Cigarette Holders; Acknowledgments; Photo Credits.

The New York City School Construction Authority’s (SCA) mission is to design and construct safe, attractive, and environmentally sound public schools for children throughout the communities of the City’s five boroughs.

Since its creation in 1988, the SCA has kept moving forward, constantly innovating to ensure that it designs and builds schools that meet the current needs of the City’s students and teachers. In addition to building and modernising educational facilities, the SCA is invested in developing much-needed resources and capacity building mechanisms for engaging diverse communities in the construction process.

The SCA maintains one of the most successful small business development programs in the country and recently established a workforce development and small business initiative for college students.

As the SCA celebrates its 30-year anniversary, its primary goal remains the same as on the day of its creation: to ensure that all children in the country’s largest public school system have the facilities necessary to prepare them for the twenty-first century and beyond.

South of Geneva, Switzerland, the River Aire runs across a plain that for centuries has been agricultural land. From the late 19th century, the waterway has been embanked for flood protection, also causing the gradual loss of habitat for a large variety of plants and animals. In 2001, decisions were taken to re-naturalise the river. Yet rather than to merely reconstruct its former natural bed, Superpositions, the association of firms commissioned with the project, applied ‘topographic imagination’, a method termed by American landscape designer Elissa Rosenberg. It combines the embanked channel with a newly designed pasture landscape. The channel indicates a work in progress and serves as a reference line that makes ‘before’ and ‘after’ traceable.

This new book documents this much recognised, award-winning re-naturalisation project with drawings, images of construction work and of the new waterway. Essays and comments by international contributors Jean-Marc Besse, Lorette Coen, Gerorges Descombes, G. Mathias Kondolf, Elissa Rosenberg, Gilles A. Tiberghien, and Marc Treib demonstrate how the restored River Aire has been upgraded to become again a characteristic feature of this landscape on the fringe of the city.

Text in English, French and German.

Chicago has long captured global imagination as a place of tall, shining buildings rising from the fog, the playground for many great architects – from Mies van der Rohe to Frank Lloyd Wright – and a surprising epicentre for modern construction and building techniques. Chicagoisms brings together contributions by a diverse pool of curators, artists, architects, historians, critics, and theorists, forming a multifarious portrait of the “Second City”. The essays cover a vast range of topics, from Chicago’s relationship to contemporary global trends to tracking the boom-and-bust cycle of the city’s commitment to architecture. They look back at the Chicago’s architectural history and connect it to the “digital project”. Studied is also the impact of Chicago’s architecture and grid system on immigrants, such as Mies van der Rohe, and how they again influenced the next generation of architects. In addition, historical events that linked the city to the emerging discourse of global modernism and phenomena like the introduction of Chicago’s park designs to Europe are explored. Complementing the essays, the book presents some twenty iconic projects that demonstrate Chicago’s power as an instigator of ideas.

Over the course of three years, the Institute of Architecture and Planning at the University of Liechtenstein, the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow, and the Academie van Bouwkunst, Amsterdam, cooperated on an international research project dedicated to the design of façades. Crafting the Façade presents the results of this productive co-operative study, which cut across disciplines to look at historical developments in the design and building of façades, the theoretical underpinnings that can explain these developments, the common materials and their main characteristics, and the techniques used in assembly. The project also prompted a great deal of innovative design work, including detailed drawings at a scale of 1:10 and the design and construction of life-size prototypes in stone, brick, and wood – all of which are reproduced here among the book’s two hundred illustrations. Through their leadership roles with the project, editors Urs Meister, Carmen Rist-Stadelmann, and Machiel Spaan also reflect in Crafting the Façade on the learning processes that emerged from the project and offer guidance and resources for others looking to delve into this topic in depth.

240cm is the standard distance between floor and ceiling in residential buildings: the height of the void we inhabit. In its precision, and its emptiness, the number reflects contemporary interior architecture’s condition. In a series of essays, House Tour explores an interior that is both familiar and seemingly uninhabited, critically celebrating a peculiar genre of representation, the architectural photography of an unfurnished interior. The authors – including anthropologists, architecture theorists and art historians – consider the ubiquitous contemporary apartment from an eye-level view, foregrounding the appearance and material presence of the architectural shell. They start out from photographs of unfurnished interiors found on the websites of leading Swiss architecture firms. They have a blank, labyrinthine appearance, with walls intersecting at oblique angles and exits seemingly leading nowhere, and show featureless rooms with seamless transitions between surfaces. House Tour offers answers to the quest for a new language that adequately describes this architecture. Published to accompany the Swiss Pavilion, 16th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, 26 May – 25 November 2018.

In this exceptional book on the London based studio 6a architects, architecture critic Irénée Scalbert looks at the role of narrative, history, appropriation and craft in the work of Tom Emerson and Stephanie Macdonald. The book traces an architectural approach avoiding style, signature, theory and even concept in favor of metis, an ancient form of intelligence combining “flair, wisdom, forethought, subtlety of mind, deception, resourcefulness, vigilance, opportunism, varied skills, and experience.” Structured around notions of situation, intervention, making, comedy, bricolage, chance and anthropology, the text is mirrored in a visual essay of archive photographs, artworks, film stills and recent projects by the practice. 6a architects were founded in London in 2001. The practice has developed a reputation for award winning contemporary art galleries, educational and residential projects in sensitive historic environments. Recent projects include the critically acclaimed extension to the South London Gallery (New London Architecture Award 2011 and Civic Trust Award Commendation 2012), Raven Row, contemporary art gallery in Spitalfields, east London (RIBA Award 2010) and the new Fashion Galleries at the V&A opened in May 2012 (nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2013). 6a architects won the Schelling Medal for architecture 2012.

During his reign, King Charles I (1600-1649) assembled one of Europe’s most extraordinary art collections. Indeed, by the time of his death, it contained some 2,000 paintings and sculptures. Charles I: King and Collector explores the origins of the collection, the way it was assembled and what it came to represent. Authoritative essays provide a revealing historical context for the formation of the King’s taste. They analyse key areas of the collection, such as the Italian Renaissance, and how the paintings that Charles collected influenced the contemporary artists he commissioned. Following Charles’s execution, his collection was sold. This book, edited by the curators of a spectacular exhibition at the Royal Academy, reunites its most important works in sumptuous detail. Featuring paintings by such masters as Van Dyck, Rubens and Raphael, this striking publication offers a unique insight into this fabled collection.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) is among the most distinguished 20th-century African-American painters. He is widely known for his modernist illustrations of everyday life as well as epic narratives of African American history and historical figures. The new book Jacob Lawrence: Lines of Influence explores his life, work, and legacy not only as an acclaimed artist but also as a storyteller, educator, and chronicler of the mid-20th-century African American experience. The book’s first part, ‘Relations’, traces some of the engagements that shaped Lawrence’s personal and professional life. It presents his work in dialogue with that of his contemporaries, mentors, and historically significant artists, such as Josef Albers, Richmond Barthé, Romare Bearden, José Clemente Orozco, George Grosz, Marsden Hartley, Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence, Horace Pippin and Augusta Savage. Its second part, ‘Legacy’, explores Lawrence’s influence on contemporary artists living and working today and those who share similar formal and conceptual concerns.

Established by the Association for the International Diffusion of French Art (ADIAF) and organised in partnership with the Centre Pompidou, this is one of the most prestigious contemporary art prizes in the world. This year’s edition offers an insight into the art scene in France, with the opportunity to discover the unique creations of Mohamed Bourouissa, Clément Cogitore, Thu-Van Tran and Marie Voignier. The exhibition is a reflection of common concerns: rewriting the narrative in the midst of media saturation and applying new conditions to memory experiences.

Text in English and French.

German top florist Annette Camping became Champion of Germany in 1994 and winner of the Golden Rose in the same year. One year later she became Vice-Champion of Europe. In 2001 she opened her own floral school Blumenwerk, a school for florists, designer and flower lovers in general. This monograph introduces a colourful and enthusiastic person. In her interaction with flowers, Annette wants to bring her compositions to life, full of character. An inner feeling, an impulse, an experience… they are all expressed in an harmonious coexistence of colours and shapes. Annette manages to bring across her love of flowers to the reader and will certainly bring a smile to your face. The publication is a discovery journey behind the scenes of a floral composition. The creativity of her compositions is beautifully captured in the many close-ups by photographer Bart Van Leuven. Also available:
Nicole von Boletzky: Master Florist ISBN 9789058560797 Stein Are Hansen: The World of Botanics ISBN 9789058560957 Per Benjamin: Elements ISBN 9789058561329

In the brand new series, Creativity with Flowers Tomas De Bruyne, Per Benjamin and Max van de Sluis of Life3 share their knowledge and experience with young professionals and with everyone passionate about floral designs. Consisting entirely of designs for bouquets, this book includes a comprehensive history of the bouquet as well as step by step instructions on how to make them. Each of the three florists has contirbuted seven designs to the book. Also Available: Plant Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563521 Passionate Emotions ISBN: 9789058563217 Arrangements ISBN: 9789058562791 Christmas Emotions ISBN: 9789058562401 Christmas ISBN: 9789058562074 Interior Decoration ISBN: 9789058561893 Sympathy ISBN: 9789058562548 Table Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563231 Wedding Emotions ISBN: 9789058561756 Wedding Flowers ISBN: 9789058563095 Life3: Ten Years of Inspiration ISBN: 9789058564139

Ethiopia is an amazing and mysterious country. People are moved by its rich nature, culture and history, which are linked both with the Western and Islamic worlds. Ethiopia is the home of coffee and khat, the place where the oldest human being in the world was found. It harbours the source of the Blue Nile in the west and numerous treasures of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Rock hewn churches and their relics lie hidden in the majestic mountainous landscapes of the north. In the east, people and landscapes blend into different customs, scents and colours, almost unnoticeably. In this warm fertile lowland, the impressive Harar is found: the city of a hundred mosques. Further south, there is a land of promise with lush meadows, glittering lakes and natural parks. This is the region of many colourful peoples with their centuries-old values and customs. In this country of rich traditions much is changing. In Ethiopia, modernisation has begun, not only in terms of construction, technology and education, but also in the minds of its inhabitants. With its diversity of peoples, landscapes, cultures and traditions, this creates a stimulating force. Ethiopians are proud, friendly and religious. Regardless of whether they are Christian or Muslim, or worship ancient nature gods, religion provides most Ethiopians harmony, a foothold and hope. Ethiopia: Footsteps in Dust and Gold is an amazing journey through an incredible landscape, beautifully illustrated with evocative text and illuminating photographs that fully capture its colourful diversity.

Based on her many years’ experience with the plant world, expert floral designer and master florist Rita Van Gansbeke demonstrates in this book the essence of flower arrangement. Nature, gardens, and seasons are a constant source of inspiration in her work. Every lover of floral art will marvel at her striking, pure creations, made from roots, stalks, branches, leaves, grasses, filaments, flowers, fruits and seeds. The arrangements, for many occasions, are clearly described by floral art author Patricia De Corte and lavishly illustrated with atmospheric pictures by photographer Isabelle Persyn. Thanks to detailed step-by-step examples and plenty of practical tips, you are ready to try your hand at flower arranging yourself! Also available in the series
Floristic Basics 9789058562210

2012 sees the tenth anniversary of Life3, the successful partnership between florists Per Benjamin, Tomas De Bruyne and Max van de Sluis. A festive event calling for some special action. Flower Moments: Ten Years of Inspiration is a festive retrospective of their work. A best of, putting their impressive body of works – until now compiled in no less than 11 books – into the limelight, a tad nostalgic but spiced up with brand new and refreshing designs. The three designers of Life3 give their best in this splendid and varied collection of table decorations, wedding designs, plant arrangements, bouquets, eye-catchers for the home interior, Christmas decorations… staying faithful to their own signature styles and at the same time ever so innovative and original. Life3 not only inspires, but wants to share its creativity, trendy concepts and expertise with colleagues and flower enthusiasts all over the world. Also Available: Plant Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563521 Passionate Emotions ISBN: 9789058563217 Arrangements ISBN: 9789058562791 Bouquets ISBN: 9789058561886 Christmas Emotions ISBN: 9789058562401 Christmas ISBN: 9789058562074 Interior Decoration ISBN: 9789058561893 Sympathy ISBN: 9789058562548 Table Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563231 Wedding Emotions ISBN: 9789058561756 Wedding Flowers ISBN: 9789058563095

After the successful Emotions, Wedding Emotions and Christmas Emotions, Life3’s florists Per Benjamin, Tomas De Bruyne and Max van de Sluis will surprise the floral world with a fourth book in this series: Passionate Emotions. No better tools to translate the whole spectrum of life’s passions and pleasures than flowers, with their stunning diversity, colours and shapes. This beautiful album explores feelings of affection, love, tenderness, passion and romance. All these lovely emotions – sometimes dramatic, sometimes light-hearted – result in vibrant and colourful floral designs. Combined with Life3’s special flair to create moods and atmospheres by using stunning and suiting backdrops to their compositions, this makes up for a book that is a true work of art and will undoubtedly stir anyone’s passion and imagination. Also Available: Plant Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563521 Arrangements ISBN: 9789058562791 Bouquets ISBN: 9789058561886 Christmas Emotions ISBN: 9789058562401 Christmas ISBN: 9789058562074 Interior Decoration ISBN: 9789058561893 Sympathy ISBN: 9789058562548 Table Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563231 Wedding Emotions ISBN: 9789058561756 Wedding Flowers ISBN: 9789058563095 Life3: Ten Years of Inspiration ISBN: 9789058564139

Plant Arrangements is the eighth and final volume in the successful series Creativity with Flowers by Life3 designers Per Benjamin, Tomas De Bruyne and Max van de Sluis. Life3 arranges floral ornamentations with fresh green and blooming plants, focussing on the lifespan of the arrangement. Plant Arrangements will provide you with original and long-lasting floral decorations for a variety of occasions, from bold, natural-looking containers for sun-drenched patio tables, to stylish and carefully manicured centrepieces for any special get together. The designers of Life3 allow florists around the world to share in their expertise and ideas. They introduce the expressiveness of floral design, each from his own recognisable and individual style. They take the reader on a journey through the history of the floral table piece and share their views on the future of this arrangement. Life3 shows you all the tricks and techniques to make it your own, in extensive series of step-by-step photos, with comments and personal thoughts on design, technique and the emotional aspect of the work. Go backstage with this inspirational book and learn from the masters! Also Available: Passionate Emotions ISBN: 9789058563217 Arrangements ISBN: 9789058562791 Bouquets ISBN: 9789058561886 Christmas Emotions ISBN: 9789058562401 Christmas ISBN: 9789058562074 Interior Decoration ISBN: 9789058561893 Sympathy ISBN: 9789058562548 Table Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563231 Wedding Emotions ISBN: 9789058561756 Wedding Flowers ISBN: 9789058563095 Life3: Ten Years of Inspiration ISBN: 9789058564139

Annick Van Wesemael, master florist, translates her passion for her profession in romantic creations. Her floral art is a constant witness of femininity and sober finesse. After her successful first book, Tasty Tables, Annick again introduces us to a world of decorated tables. This book bubbles over with ideas to adorn tables and their environment for the most diverse occasions in an atmospheric, homey, snug, delicate, sometimes exuberant way with vegetative as well as floral materials. A spectrum of tips to turn every occasion into a fantastic party. Text in English & Dutch. Also Available:
Tasty Tables ISBN: 9789058562043 Creativity with Flowers: Table Arrangements ISBN: 9789058563231

‘The little seamstress’ is how the renowned Coco Chanel was once disdainfully described by her contemporary Paul Poiret. He targeted her because she was a woman, but in fact he saw her as a major competitor. Times have changed. More fashion houses are now run by women than ever before. A perfect moment, therefore, for an overview that focuses on strong women in fashion. Femmes Fatales tells fashion history from the perspective of female designers. Do they design differently for women than their male counterparts? What influence have they had? What does being a woman mean in terms of their creations? And what is their vision for fashion? This book includes work by Coco Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Elsa Schiaparelli, Mary Quant, Vivienne Westwood, Sonia Rykiel, Zandra Rhodes, Miuccia Prada, Maria Grazia Chiuri (Dior), Fong Leng, Sheila de Vries and Iris van Herpen, and many others.

Text in Dutch and English.

This beautifully illustrated book, with numerous essays by an international roster of leading art historians, examines Jacopo Tintoretto’s masterpiece Angel Foretelling the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, painted between 1560 and 1570 for the Church of San Geminiano in Venice. It was displayed in this location for some 250 years until the church was demolished in 1807, and in 1818 the painting was sold into private hands. It was, famously, the centrepiece of the late rock star David Bowie’s collection, being one of the first artworks he acquired. He had it for nearly 30 years, and named his record label after the artist (the Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment Company LLC). In 2016 it was purchased at auction by a private collector and donated to the Rubens House in Antwerp, where it is on long-term loan. This book accompanies the display of the painting, back in Venice for the first time in 200 years as part of an exhibition at Palazzo Ducale.