From sky-high gardens to compact interiors and bold design, these beautifully bound reads are as inspiring as the cities they celebrate.
Just Urban Design: The Struggle for a Public City
(MIT Press)
An intellectual read exploring how urban design can address social justice, climate change and inequality in cities. The contributors — scholars in building and the relationship between people and places — examine case studies from around the world to illustrate the potential of design in creating more equitable urban environments.
An English Vision
by Ben Pentreath (Rizzoli)
Designer Ben Pentreath offers wonderful insights into two decades of his design career, showcasing timeless interiors that blend classical and contemporary elements and are suitable for urban dwellers seeking elegance and comfort.
Vertical Living: Compact Architecture for Urban Spaces
(Gestalten)
This richly illustrated book delves into innovative architectural solutions for high density urban living, including compact and vertical housing designs that redefine city living.
Paris Living
by Guillaume de Laubier (Lannoo)
A photographic journey through 20 of the most artistic homes in Paris, providing a tour of how urban spaces can reflect personal style and cultural heritage.
Brutalist Plants
by Olivia Broome (Hoxton Mini Press)
A photographic exploration of the intersection between Brutalist architecture and plant life, highlighting the beauty of greenery softening concrete urban structures.
The Maximalist: Colourful Interiors for Bold Living
by Dani Dazey (Abrams Books)
A celebration of vibrant, personality filled interiors that challenge minimalist norms and offer inspiration for creating expressive urban spaces. Dazey features 11 eclectic projects, including drag queen Trixie Mattel's Trixie Hotel.
Your Not Forever Home
by Katherine Ormerod (Quadrille)
This guide empowers renters to personalise their spaces with stylish, reversible DIY projects — such as scalloped shelving, removable wallpaper and custom linens — without risking their deposits. Combining practical advice with an understanding of the modern renter's challenges, it’s an essential read for those looking to infuse personality into temporary homes.
25 Concepts in Modern Architecture
by Stephanie Travis & Catherine Anderson (Bloomsbury Visual Arts)
A visual guide that breaks down 25 key concepts in modern architecture, making complex ideas accessible. An essential resource for understanding contemporary urban architectural design.
Wild Harmony
by Bart Haverkamp & Pieter Croes (Luster Publishing)
Advocating for ‘wild gardening’ that counterbalances fast-paced living, this tome presents garden designs by two Belgian architects who embrace nature's spontaneity to promote biodiversity and sustainability in city gardens.
The Urban Sketching Handbook: Architecture and Cityscapes
by Gabriel Campanario (Quarry Books)
From award-winning illustrator Gabriel Campanario comes this valuable resource for capturing urban environments. Through the details of more than 500 sketches and drawing tips by over 100 urban sketchers worldwide, one can appreciate the creativity behind our world.
