A wonderful looking book about a bourgeois, mainstream practice. The houses are impecably built with intricate detailing.
To respond to the unique opportunities of each client and site, Bates Masi + Architects has developed an approach, rather than a devotion to a particular style. Careful study of the needs of the site and owners uncovers a guiding concept particular to each project. It may be derived from the owner’s interests, the site’s parameters, or the character of the place. That concept is distilled to its essence, just a few words, such that it can inform the design at all scales, from massing, to materials, to details. The consistency of the concept is evident in the finished product. It imbues even small details and simple materials with meaning, thus making the mundane memorable. The result is an architecture that is cohesive, innovative, contextual, and full of details that delight. Bespoke Home, the first monograph of Bates Masi’s 50 year career, highlights the firm’s process, illustrating how a concept is derived from the various influences of the site and client, how that concept informs the design process, and how the concept is manifest in the experience of the finished house.
All this said it's not what I was looking for. The architecture and ideology is mainstream "well to do American" (Sagaponack,Sag harbor). Doesn't propose anything new except wealthy detailing: no sinthesis or superabundance, no economy or over expenditure, no clear idea!!!.
To display their craft they use at least 3 highly expresive textures on 3 types of wood in every room! and include a picture essay of the "weathering of copper over time" from unexposed, 4 months, 8 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, 15 years to, last but not least, 25-30 years (who gives a hoot). Useless "clip studies" and obscure "acoustic shadow" plans of their "Elizabeth II" house.
Lights swiched on twilight photos without a blade of grass out of place.
Some obvious excerpts: "for Bates and Masi modernism is a language, not a doctrine" ..."they acknowledge, and even celebrate, the difference between their time and that of mid century modernists". "You wouldn't confuse Bates and Masi with Norman Foster on the one hand, or with John Lautner on the other"... (of course you wouldn't. Who writes this stuff?)
If you are looking for ideology or insight this is not the book. These guys are good detailers and overseers of "modernist sagaponack type architecture" nothing triggering, exciting or groundbreaking.
The book makes evident the present bourgeoise architecture trend in eastern USofA, canonized by Deborah Berke's appointment as Dean of the Yale school of architecture.
Another book in the pile.
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