Rooftop Architecture: The Art of Going Through the Roof

At heart, this spirited survey of rooftop gardens and structural additions is a reference book for architects and designers. And Busch's ( The Photography of Architecture ) strong background in these fields aids her well. She explores sleek penthouses and costly greenhouses--but also rustic retreats and suburban gazebos. Among these ambitious and expensive aeries are projects by I. M. Pei and Frank Gehry, giving the book a definite postmodern slant. Both industrial and residential examples come in for scrutiny. The author gives a nod to architectural internationalism: we glimpse rooftops in Tokyo and Vienna. Each project is described from its original plans to its accomplished ends, as Busch explains how structural problems were overcome. Architectural working drawings and elevations are well represented, complementing stylish photographs of final products. Rooftop Architecture should give the savvy reader both aesthetic and practical guidance. (May)