Compression - by Steven Holl (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Steven Holl celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of his landmark book Anchoring with Compression, a collection of thirty-five major projects from the past decade. Holl applies concepts from neuroscience, literature, social science, and philosophy to develop the idea of compression: the condensation of material and social forces to create meaningful and sustainable architecture.

A diverse roster of international works includes an expansion of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston; academic facilities for Columbia University, Princeton University, and the Glasgow School of Art; urban plans; a harbor gateway for Copenhagen; and an extension of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. All demonstrate Holl's poetic attention to light, space, and water; a subtle and tactile employment of material and color; and an awareness of architecture's potential to connect people through inspiring public spaces.

Review Quotes

"it's clear Holl's architecture has evolved greatly, veering far into the sculptural realm....The writing in Compression expresses the issues Holl has focused on in his career: light, the senses, place, concept - clearly formal considerations."
- A Daily Dose of Architecture Books

"A breath of fresh air in a time when architecture theory is withering on the vine. With less and less publications to provide a critical mass of voices critiquing our built form, we now must rely on the writers who write on behalf of contemporary architects, such as Deyan Sudjic advocating for Sir Norman Foster. Similarly, Steven Holl has Sanford Kwinter, along with this series of important books to provide a high watermark of our times for architectural theory."
- Spacing (Canada)

About the Author

Steven Holl is founder and principal of Steven Holl Architects, with offices in New York and Beijing. Considered one of America's preeminent architects, he has been awarded the Praemium Imperiale (2014), the American Institute of Architects' Gold Medal (2012), and the Royal Institute of British Architects' Jencks Award (2010).