the Library

Cradle to Cradle. Remaking the Way We Make Things

A revolutionary manifesto by Braungart and McDonough on the implementation of circular thinking.

“It’s one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve ever read.” Ellen Macarthur, The Times

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The Road to Character jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjhhjjjjjjjjjjjj

Brooks’ Road to Character delves into forgetting yourself to live a better life in a world filled with reward-orientated businesses.

“A hyper-readable, lucid, often richly detailed human story… In the age of the selfie, Brooks wishes to exhort us back to a semiclassical sense of self-restraint, self erasure and self-suspicion.” New York Times Book Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses

Pallasmaa looks at the five senses in relation to architecture and questions why sight has become so prominent.

“Not since the Danish architect Steen Eiler Rasmussen’s Experiencing Architecture (1959) has there been such a succinct and clear text which could serve students and architects at this critical time in the development of 21st Century Architecture” Steven Holl

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Energy Myths and Realities

Dispelling the myths surrounding energy with regards to politics in America, Smil provides realism to the future of energy.

“I recommend this book to anyone who spends time working on energy issues – not to cheer them up but to help them have a stronger framework for evaluating energy promises.” Bill Gates, thegatesnotes.com

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves

Ridley combines economics, psychology and human evolution arriving at a rationally optimistic place.

“His theory is, in a way, the glorious offspring that would result if Charles Darwin’s ideas mated with those of Adam Smith.” The Economist

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Magic of Reality: How we know what’s really true jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

Richard Dawkins explores natural phenomena through the real magic… science.

“Few scientists manage to reach a huge popular audience. Even among them Richard Dawkins is distinctive for the clarity and elegance of his prose-” The Times

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think jjjjjjj

A depiction of how technological progress will create an abundance, meeting the needs of everyone on the planet.

“The New York Times ‘bestselling manifesto for the future that is grounded in practical solutions addressing the world’s most pressing concerns: overpopulation, food, water, energy, education, health care and freedom'” Wall Street Journal

Rating: 4 out of 5.

OMA/Rem Koolhaas: A Critical Reader from ‘Delirious New York’ to ‘S,M,L,XL’

A succinct compilation of architectural sources which provides a fresh view on the work of Rem Koolhaus.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Building and Dwelling: Ethics for the City

Sennett explores the relationship between living a happy life and the built environment, drawing on his own personal experiences.

“Constantly stimulating ideas from a veteran of urban thinking.” Jonathan Meades, Guardian

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Architect’s Brain: Neuroscience, Creativity, and Architecture

Mallgrave analyses the relationship between the brain and architecture, and the latest research.

“A gripping interpretation of how the latest advances in neuroscience enlarge our understanding of architecture from Alberti’s belief that a building is a ‘form of body’ to the computer-” David Watkins, University of Cambridge

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The Fall of Public Man jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

Sennett questions the private and the public experience in our everyday lives and historically. He asks the question of how can we be more involved with our respective communities in the modern age.

“A powerful argument for a more formal public culture and a swipe against the rise of a self-indulgent counter-culture.” Melissa Benn, Guardian

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Which Contract (6th Edition) jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj jjjjjjjjjjjj

Comparisons between different types of building contracts and where and when they might be used. Ideal for the student studying professional studies or the industry professional looking to stay up to date.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Many of the above books are also available on Amazon Audible! I use this to listen to books when I’m commuting to work. To try a 30 day free trial of Amazon Audible click here. It’s easy to cancel and you get a free credit (book) every month.

All links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend products I love and know you would too. It doesn’t cost any extra to purchase the item and I receive a small commission.

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