Michael Webb

Archigram comprised Warren Chalk (1927-88), Peter Cook (1936-), Dennis Crompton (1935-), David Greene (1937-), Ron Herron (1930-94), and Michael Webb (1937-). Together they envisioned the future of architecture in ways that enthralled a generation. In an era defined by the space race, they developed a ‘high-tech’, lightweight, infra-structural approach that stretched far beyond known technologies or contemporary realities. They devised autonomous dwellings and focused on survival technology; they experimented with megastructures and modular construction systems; they explored mobility through the environment, and the use of portable living capsules: all through the medium of an incredible series of drawings and models. Archigram’s influence has been profound and enduring. They gave the high-tech movement its impetus; they inspired architects such as Renzo Piano and Norman Foster; and they laid the ground for the design of buildings such as the Pompidou Centre. Edited and designed by Archigram member Dennis Crompton, this book catalogues Archigram’s activities over fourteen years, together with commentaries by the architects and critics writing then and now.

This generously illustrated survey of 80 halls from the past three centuries is a personal selection by the authors, enriched by recommendations from leading musical authorities. These auditoria combine consistently high standards of performance with architectural and acoustical excellence. The survey focuses on three periods. Earliest, the court theatres that served rulers and the aristocracy in the 18th century, jewel boxes that now draw music lovers to summer festivals. Secondly, the explosive growth in size of theatres, orchestras, and audiences in the 19th century. Finally, the dramatic advances in design and technology over the past 30 years, as leading architects have worked with musicians and expert acousticians to create versatile and innovative auditoria that address civic and economic demands, while attracting new audiences. The goal is to create a readable, visually alluring compendium that will appeal to lovers of music and architecture as well as cultural tourists in search of new experiences. It will satisfy a broad range of tastes, from the intimacy of chamber music and baroque opera in period settings, to the grandeur of Verdi in La Scala and Wagner in Bayreuth, and the latest advances in composition and presentation.

Italy has long been associated with opera, and opera with Italy. But what happened to that other face of Italian music, the rich tradition of instrumental music that inspired a whole generation of European composers throughout the 17th and 18th centuries? Italian Nineteenth Century Instrumental Music aims to introduce readers to the wealth of non-operatic, instrumental music written by Italian composers in and around the 19th century. It also examines how the important historical and political events that marked the course of the century affected the country’s musical scenario. The brief survey focuses on some of the most representative musicians of the period, many of whose names will be unfamiliar to the general public. The works of Saverio Mercadante, Alessandro Rolla, Antonio Bazzini, Giovanni Sgambati, Giuseppe Martucci and many others are still awaiting the full recognition they deserve. With Italian Nineteenth Century Instrumental Music, Michael Webb provides further impetus for a reassessment of this largely unexplored sector of Italian music.

McClean s second Rizzoli book explores sixteen ultra-modern residences completed over the past five years. Rigorous, elegant, and impeccably detailed, McClean s houses are the embodiment of livable modernism and set the stage for every aspect of California living. The residences range from a remodeled classical mansion in San Francisco, to waterfront houses and serene oases that seem to float above the flats of Los Angeles, with vistas extending from mountains to the ocean. Since its founding in 2000, McClean Design s focus has been on creating home sanctuaries that open to the best views. From the structure to plantings, lighting, and furnishings, there s a free flow of space, through the house and out to the horizon. The quiet authority of McClean s houses exerts a calming influence. There s a sense of formality and spareness in the architecture, a reduction to essentials, serving not as a constraint, but as a foil to the landscape and the relaxed character of the interior spaces; wood strip floors, cabinetry, and natural stones add warmth, as do the soft furnishings in neutral tones. The book includes floor plans and explanatory essays and notes by the architects on common themes throughout their work.

In a battle for the kingdom, only one can win. In the thrilling conclusion to the Shadow Knights series, Lia finds herself imprisoned in the caverns, fighting insurmountable odds to regain her freedom. She battles not only the dangers lurking in the dark but also the hopelessness that threatens to overwhelm her. Meanwhile, the surviving Shadow Knights work to thwart Danik's sinister ambitions and his growing thirst for power. In a desperate attempt at victory, the knights form alliances to protect their kingdom from falling into the clutches of darkness. Amidst the growing danger and looming defeat, hope flickers, driving Lia and the Shadow Knights forward in their quest for victory. Will hope prevail in the face of adversity, or will the knights be eliminated once and for all? Prepare for an epic showdown filled with sword fighting, high stakes, and heart-stopping adventure as Lia and the Shadow Knights wage their final battle.

California Houses brings together thirty-six houses completed over the past ten years that capture the spirit of California in distinctive ways and respond creatively to context and the environment. They engage forests and deserts, the ocean and city streets. Large or small, they demonstrate the extraordinary range of invention emerging from the offices of established and younger architects. This is a celebration of the best talent as well as clients with the imagination and means to commission houses that are one-of-a-kind and advance the art of architecture. California is a hotbed of sustainable construction, as mandated by state legislation, and all of these houses employ active and passive strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. There’s a strong emphasis on natural light and ventilation, thermal insulation and solar panels. Rainwater is harvested for irrigation. These are homes constructed to conserve energy, withstand earthquakes and, often, to resist wildfires, but without losing their aesthetic appeal. The selection ranges from a landscaped concrete dome to an inflatable shelter that can be assembled and relocated as easily as a tent. An expansive ocean-front retreat contrasts with a bungalow that has been transformed on a shoestring budget and a weekend cabin in a desert wilderness. One house cascades down a wooded hillside, another spans a creek, and several more are tucked into confined city lots.

Nothing great is accomplished without sacrifice. The king is dead. The city is in shambles. Most of the Shadow Knights are captured and lost, marched away to an unknown destination. Lia, Raiyn, and Veron are all that are left. Reeling from the turn of events, they must band together to rescue the lost knights. The problem is they have no idea where to look. Their only hope for direction is hidden away inside the enemy's castle. It's a race against time and a fight against impossible odds to retrieve the clues and rescue the knights before it's too late. Filled with daring rescues, epic fights, and jaw-dropping twists, the middle volume of the Shadow Knights Generations Trilogy will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Family runs deep. Betrayal cuts deeper. Sixteen years have passed since the Shadow Knights brought peace to Terrenor, and now a new generation of warriors fights to keep it. Lia has the potential to be the best knight of them all. Her swordsmanship and control of the origine far exceed her young age. The Shadow Knights' leaders push for her to live up to her potential, but her rebellious nature isn't interested in listening. Even worse, the insistent leaders are her parents. In an attempt to challenge her, Lia's parents give her a position of responsibility. At first, she steps up, training others and leading missions, but when things around her unravel, she questions everything once more. Meanwhile, the Shadow Knights discover a new threat unlike anything they've encountered before. A group with powers far beyond the Knights' capabilities seeks to wipe them out, and they're powerless to stop them. Fighting with her own question of purpose and wondering if her parents will ever accept her as she is, Lia must choose between saving herself or that of her Shadow Knight family. With epic fights, complex characters, and a riveting plot, Shadow of Betrayal begins the new Shadow Knights Generations Trilogy. Join Lia and the Knights as they face their greatest challenge yet in the first book of this thrilling new story.

The lost City of Gold will solve all their problems . . . if they live to find it. Fresh off their previous adventure, Peter and his friends settle into ordinary lives, despite their newly gained special powers. Everything changes when they stumble upon artifacts that point to a legendary city of gold, its location lost in time, and its existence doubted by everyone they meet. Enchanted by the promise of untold riches and the thrill of adventure, they embark on a quest to uncover its fabled treasures. But danger lurks at every turn, and soon they find themselves entangled in a web of betrayal, threats, and unexpected alliances. The few they find who believe in the city will stop at nothing to reach it first. With their freedom and lives hanging in the balance, they must use their strength, wit, and friendship to overcome the perils that lie ahead. From treacherous jungles to ancient palaces and forgotten ruins, they face ferocious creatures, deadly gangs, and dark secrets. For Peter and his friends, it's not just a quest for treasure, it's a race for their lives. Legend of the Golden City is an epic young-adult fantasy adventure that will captivate readers from the very first chapter. With its blend of heart-stopping action, deep bonds of friendship, and exciting surprises, this exhilarating tale will leave you breathless and longing for more.

The American architectural firm of Sparano + Mooney in Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, CA, stands for sustainable and innovative buildings that are harmoniously embedded in spectacular mountain landscapes. In this volume, architectural critic Michael Webb presents ten projects with the aid of photographs, drawings, sketches and texts, visualizing the process by which architectural ideas are conceived and realized. The architects respond in their plans to the overwhelming natural surroundings with restrained forms and the innovative detailing of materials. The firm's models, sketches, conceptual drafts and fully executed buildings offer thoughtful perspective on developing architecture that thrives on the relationship between concept and place. Accompanying essays relate the buildings to their regional contexts and also highlight analogies to Land Art.

The highly anticipated second volume of the Shadow Knights Trilogy: After tasting financial success and the Shadow Knights' power, Veron lost everything. Now, trapped in slavery, jealous servants and harsh justice threaten his ability to fulfill his destiny. Caught between secrets he cannot divulge and attention from the master's daughter, Chelci, Veron must choose between following the rules or following his heart as he fights to rise again. Meanwhile, King Bale searches to kill the young shadow knight, and Veron's old friend Brixton is the only one who knows where he is. Will the lure of power entice Brixton to turn on him again? His first betrayal nearly cost Veron everything. A second would cost him his life.

The first major survey of contemporary apartment buildings that foster a sense of community while giving every resident an inspiring place to live.