Between Architecture and Construction
We've featured a few articles about MR+A's work in the past, from furniture to prefab, so I was pretty stoked to open the mailbox today and find a copy of Princeton Architectural Press' recent book, Marmol Radziner + Associates: Between Architecture and Construction. Published in July 2008, this book runs the gamut of MR+A's work. Beginning with the "Early Years", the book highlights some of the witty quotes placed on their office marquee then quickly jumps into many of their most well-known projects including the Kaufmann House restoration, the Harris Pool House, the TBWA/Chiat/Day offices in San Francisco, and the Glenncoe Residence.
In addition to the firm's commercial and residential work, there is also a section showcasing their furniture work and the design decisions that went into creating their Glenncoe furniture line.
Overall, this is a well designed book that truly captures the creativity and uniqueness of MR+A. Definitely give it a look the next time you're at your local bookseller.
Link: Princeton Architectural Press
Link: Indoor/Outdoor
From the publisher:
Praised as "modernist savants" by the New York Times, Marmol Radziner + Associates have redefined the indoor-outdoor California lifestyle made famous by legendary mid-century modernists such as Richard Neutra and Albert Frey. Their multifaceted projects include not only residential, commercial, and institutional buildings but also mid-century modern home restorations, furniture, and prefab home manufacturing. Whether building a Hollywood hideaway that floats ethereally over a lush garden or a childcare center for LAX airport employees, each project embodies the philosophy of the firm by integrating finely crafted details with technically inventive modern spaces. Marmol Radziner –#43; Associates explains in detail how this pioneering design-build firm–one of the few led by architects–has managed to integrate building–installation, construction, and fabrication into one seamless design process. Architects Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner give an open and honest account of the inner workings of their award-winning firm. Their personal perspectives combined with interviews with employees, clients, and collaborators highlight the synergistic nature of their work. This unique monograph takes the reader from the early stages of conceptual design all the way through construction with special attention focused on their innovative solutions to a variety of on-site challenges.