12 Must-Read Books For the Design Enthusiast

Future Systems

Future Systems, by Deyan Sudjic, presents a “sophisticated selection” of work from the design practice’s last 25 years in the industry. The book features 30 recent projects as well as a glossary of projects from 1958 to 1992.

Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living

In Down to Earth, Lauren Liess “’invites readers to incorporate the main components of her familiar design aesthetic: nature, easy living,” and introduces them to six guiding principles in “six unique homes.”

Le Corbusier Le Grande

Le Corbusier Le Grande was the creator of some of the “most important and impressive” buildings of the last century, as well as an accomplished painter, sculptor, furniture, designer, urbanist, and author. Le Corbusier Le Grande features a visual biography and includes rare archival material, including sketches, photographs, and correspondences.

Hamilton: The Revolution

This book features exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and footnotes from the creator of the musical himself, Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s the perfect book for enthusiasts of the musical as well as Broadway itself.

The Wes Anderson Collection

Wes Anderson is renowned for his cinematography: perfectly symmetrical shots, and solid, pastel colors. His films are iconic and well-beloved by film and design enthusiasts. This book, The Wes Anderson Collection, is published by the New York Times. Follow critic Matt Zoller Seltz through the director’s timeless filmography.

Herman Miller: A Way of Living

Herman Miller has played a central role in the evolution of modern and contemporary design, and this book documents its defining moments and key leadership.

Mies Van Der Rohe Space, Material, Detail

Every design enthusiast has a volume on Mies Van Der Rohe, one of the pioneers of modern architecture. There have been many monographs written on the German-born, American architect's works, famous for his Farnsworth House, Barcelona Pavilion, Tugendhat Villa, apartments on Lake Shore Drive, the Commons at IIT in Chicago to name a few. Consider looking into the construction of his buildings and their materiality with this book for a deeper understanding of his genius.

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Lina Bo Bardi

"Architecture and architectural freedom are above all a social issue that must be seen from inside a political structure, not from outside it," is perhaps the most quotable statement by Italian-born architect, Lina Bo Bardi. Spending most of her life in Brazil where her practice investigated the political and social structures that inform architecture, this modernist's works were not limited to architecture. She also worked in production design, art, furniture and graphic design. This is a carefully-curated volume of her works, including privately-owned sketches.

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Made In North Korea

Curious about the design that comes out of the most secretive nation? This read is for you! Capturing North Korea's appreciation of graphic design, this book shows various ephemera, from luggage tags to hotel brochures. Its author, Nicholas Bonner, has hosted numerous tours to North Korea. This shows his collection along with photographs of everyday life in the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea).

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Still: The Slow Home

The pandemic has caused many to rethink what is important to them, their values, and ultimately, their living. Here is a book that presents about 12 case studies of homes by individuals who have chosen to live sustainably, simpler, embracing the principles of slow living.

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The Monocle Guide To Better Cities

These days when traveling is hardly an option has made many look at the conditions of their own cities. It's high time we all considered how we live as a community, and how our built environment affects our lives. Here is a volume on what Monocle Magazine considers successful cities, places where living is a joy.

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Remote Places To Stay

In quarantine, we're all thinking of our next destination. Here is a collection of 22 remarkable places around the world that prove to be an aspiration once traveling is in the cards again. For now, disconnect from the urban and the modern via the photos in this book.

Photo Credit: @tablestoriesph