Touchstones of Design

(Hardback)

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Considered the world leader in designing iconic public architecture, Curtis Fentress is redefining the art of civic buildings. The 2010 Thomas Jefferson Award winner chose public architecture as his life's work because of the way public buildings inspire and influence people. Through 40 years of experience, Fentress has crafted a new meaning for public architecture, through design rooted in context, culture, passion, and innovation. 'Touchstones of Design' lays out the foundation of Fentress' philosophical approach to public architecture, set against a backdrop of dramatic illustrations and design. Fentress bases his 8 Touchstones of Design in logic, beauty, and humanism. How can a building change, for the better, the way people live, work, and play What is the best way to organise it so it makes intuitive sense Ultimately, Fentress' goal is to provide all people with timeless design that balances both art and function, as a steward of the environment and a builder of community. "I don't begin with a preconceived idea of what a building should be - it is not a piece of sculpture. I prefer to patiently search through extensive discovery until I find a seam somewhere, crack it open and discover the art inside". Curtis Fentress

Author Bio

North-Carolina born Curtis Fentress graduated with honours from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He left his position with Kohn Pedersen Fox to found his own firm in 1980 in Denver, where he was awarded the opportunity to design Denver International Airport, which propelled him into the international realm. He is the 2010 winner of the American Institute of Architects' Thomas Jefferson Award, the highest honour in public architecture worldwide.