Element

A mesmerizing paean to the interconnectedness of science, art, and nature from one of the world's most innovative architects and structural engineers.

The genius of Cecil Balmond is behind some of the world's most exciting architectural endeavors. From Anish Kapoor's gigantic sculpture at the Tate Modern to Rem Koolhaas' CCTV buildings in Beijing, Balmond is the unsung hero of modern architecture. In Element, his third book, he offers a glimpse into his creative process.

Following a loose yet logical configuration, Element uses pattern, mathematical reasoning, and advanced technology to create an unconventional exploration of design. Balmond's narrative unfolds in three conceptual chapters--elements, pattern, nature--linked by two conceptual bridges--digital "tectonics" and numbers. Each of these aspects relates to each other in a number of ways, leading to a series of narratives, the correlations of which recall the archetypal Chinese wheel. The book is a highly engrossing journey of the world around us seen from different, multiple angles.

Cecil Balmond is deputy chairman of the world-renowned engineering and design firm, Arup. He has collaborated with Rem Koolhaas, Philip Johnson, Daniel Libeskind, and Toyo Ito, among many others. His recent projects include Penn Bridge, Philadelphia; Coimbra Footbridge, Portugal; Battersea Power Station Twist, London; and Seattle Central Library, among others. His books include Informal (Prestel).