At MAXXI, Rem Koolhaas and Irma Boom present “Elements of Architecture”

The MAXXI auditorium in Rome was full last Friday for the presentation of “Elements of Architecture,” the coffee table book published by Taschen. Many people had gathered to have their copy signed by Rem Koolhaas and Irma Boom. The book is the result of a meeting between the famous architect and one of the most important graphic designers in the world. Brought together in relation to Rem Koolhaas’ exhibition at the Venice Biennale of Architecture, “Elements of Architecture” is a meticulous study of the granular details of structure, construction and planning. Window, facade, balcony, corridor, fireplace, staircase, escalator and elevator: the book attempts to immerse in the micro-narrative of architecture and interior space. The result is not a single story, but a network of origins, influences and hybridizations in architectural evolution, including the significant impact of technological progress, climate change, the economic context and regulatory requirements. Designed by Irma Boom and based on research from the Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, the monograph contains essays by Rem Koolhaas, Stephan Trueby, Manfredo de Robilant and Jeffrey Inaba, as well as interviews with Werner Sobek and Tony Fadell (from Nest Labs) and photographic essays by Wolfgang Tillmans.