Inspiration And Process In Architecture By Moleskine

Moleskine, purveyor of quality stationery, has added books to their repertoire. They have long been known for their legendary notebooks, the likes of which have been beloved by artists and thinkers such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Hemingway. As of late, the brand has been branching out to better reflect our contemporary nomadism. These include city guides, reading accessories and, the latest addition, books.

Moleskine’s new collection, called Inspiration and Process in Architecture, is dedicated to four key figures/offices in contemporary architecture: Zaha Hadid, Giancarlo De Carlo, Bolles+Wilson and Alberto Kalach. The creative process of each architect is documented through drawings and handwritten notes — “a celebration of the everlasting power of free hand sketching even in the AutoCAD® era”, as the people of Moleskine state. The particular book under review is on Alberto Kalach, a prominent architect of the new school in Central and South America, and designer of the famous $5,000 minimal houses and library in Mexico City.

It is a handsome book — clothbound with raw cardboard covers and the signature Moleskine elastic page-holder, rounded corners and internal expandable pocket. The book begins with a few pages of text that elaborates upon Kalach’s style and approach, including a brief interview. He is inspired by the natural context of Mexico, linking local tradition with modernity. What follows are a series of sketches where Kalach’s dramatic use of ink and graphite create a strong sense of power and fluidity. This book is a nice little luxury to skim from time to time for a hit of architectural inspiration.

Inspiration and Process in Architecture: Alberto Kalach
Alberto Kalach
Published by Moleskine
144 pages, 13×21 cm
Clothbound with raw paperboard front and back cover, foil printed, elastic band and round corners, more than 100 colour illustrations

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