Architecture Libre

Guy Rottier, born Willem Frederick Henri Rottier (1922-2013), was a French-Dutch architect and engineer, known for his modernist and avant-garde designs. He is described by FRAC as, "one of the most singular and surprising artistic figures of the latter half of the twentieth century." Amongst his accomplishments, Rottier was a member of the Atelier des batisseurs and served as an advisor for the postwar reconstruction in France. In addition, he was a member of the Groupe international d'architecture prospective (GIAP) and was the only architect in the Ecole de Nice. Rottier was particularly interested in urban architecture, and proposed experimental concepts of architecture to address the particular complexities of urban life. One of his most notable ideas was the construction of small, disposable houses, as a replacement for holiday homes which are only temporarily occupied but nevertheless take up space. This set of six small books covers various aspects of his architectural theories. The six books are: "L'Architecture Solaire" "L'Urbanisme Solaire Ecopolis: Ville sans Pollution" "L'Architecture de Loisirs" "La Nouvelle Architecture de Terre" "L'Architecture Ephemere et de Recuperation" L'Architecture en Liberte." Each volume begins with a short introduction explaining the characteristics of the type of architecture addressed in that volume. There follow examples of designs of each type of architecture, with labels and short descriptions. The books are primarily composed of diagrams and drawings, with short descriptions. This set is in very good condition. The box has some scuffing, a tear along the bottom as well as some small tears to the corners. The books are overall in very good to near fine condition. Some volumes have some scuffing to the spines, but none of the spines are broken and the bindings are all very tight. This is a fascinating set preserving the innovative architectural ideas of a unique figure in the history of modern architecture. His concern with working with the environment is more pertinent now than ever.…