The Book of Lofts Book

The biggest problem with living in an old commercial building is light. Lofts may not have skylights, many commercial spaces only have windows along one side, and, while the real- estate standards of the first half of the century required that no office space be deeper than 28 feet (sunlight providing the major source of illumination) industrial and more modern commercial spaces can be--and often are--downright dingy. The dramatic, sprawling character of the open loft, while it might reflect the non-conformist artistic aspirations of its occupant--is just as often a practical necessity: partitions would get in the way of what precious light there was. Tracing the rise of lofts--from practical workshops-cum-living spaces for artisans and artists to the self-important style-statements of writers, fashion designers and accountants--The Book of Lofts is also a photographic compendium of solutions to the antagonistic problems of light, space and privacy. Ranging widely from city to city, from minimalist temple to faux-Medici palazzo, the authors even find room to consider those purpose-built houses and apartments that borrow from the loft aesthetic. The irritatingly precious text--of the sort that "tells" the planning of a space and "situates" its rooms--is minimal and anyway of little importance. The photographs are eloquent enough, and tell their own engaging story. --Simon IngsRead More