cover image New York Minimalism

New York Minimalism

Loft Publications, Aurora Cuito. Collins Design, $39.95 (216pp) ISBN 978-0-06-058921-9

Less is more, and least is best--that's the theory behind the minimalist architecture featured in this photography-driven book. Barcelona-based architect Cuito has selected 25 recent projects in homes, commercial spaces and public buildings that reflect New York's versions of this simple, serene esthetic. Residences like the H Loft, by Kar-Hwa Ho, with its edible-looking green and yellow tones, and a Central Park West apartment by Bonetti Kozerski Studio that's stark and rich-looking at once, inspire immediate thoughts of copycat redecoration. The media have already covered several of the commercial spaces featured in the second section, however, such as the spa SkinCareLab and the Emporio Armani Soho Store. While these spaces are architecturally interesting, the coverage reads like old news compared to the book's lesser-known projects. Cuito also highlights grand public and office buildings, such as Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum's elegantly understated 222 East 41st Street building and Kohn Pedersen Fox's materially innovative 745 Seventh Avenue project. A final wordless section highlights a medley of New York icons, from rows of fire escapes that zigzag up tenement walls to bulbous water towers and skyscraper pinnacles that mark the city's skyline. Luscious photographs, detailed floor plans and a four-question interview with each of the 17 architects accompany the designs. When asked for an adjective to describe the city's architectural spirit, the designers offer words like""compelling,""""robust,""""enduring""--all captured here to great effect. 320 color, 45 b&w illustrations.