The Definitive Book on the Work of Future Systems

"A building has to last, it just can't be about fashion." - Jan Kaplicky

Can the ordinary be made unfamiliar and new? How can a simple object elevate the way in which one lives? Can structure and content blur seamlessly into one? Does every house have to have eight corners? These are only some of the questions posed and answered by the innovative architecture and design practice, Future Systems, that are breaking molds and boundaries worldwide. FUTURE SYSTEMS, by Dejan Sudjic, the most extensive exploration of the inventive architectural firm ever published.

Future Systems, founded by Jan Kaplicky, is an architectural design practice established in 1979 that has become recognized worldwide for consistently challenging traditional preconceptions of space and demonstrating environmental concern and efficiency. They have surprised the architectural world with their daring forms and inventive design philosophy that merges modern ideas with natural shapes. The result is an uncompromised look that redefines architectural language while fusing contemporary form and function. After establishing themselves with creative projects and architectural competitions (2nd place, International Competition, Bibliotheque de France, Paris, 1989) they soon obtained wider recognition with the Lord's Cricket Ground Media Centre (London,1994). They went on to gain other important commissions from fashion names like Comme des Garcons (New York, 1998) and Marni (London, 1999) and today are celebrated for their new flagship store for Selfridges in Birmingham (UK, 2003).

FUTURE SYSTEMS presents a selection of work from the last twenty-five years, some previously unpublished. It celebrates Future Systems' finished work, as well as looks at more recent proposals and concepts that continue their forward-looking philosophy, such as the Maserati Museum, Modena (2004). Organized according to themes such as objects, houses, shopping and landmarks, this innovative format will also present well-known works in a new light.

This book offers a fresh look at one of the 21st centuries most creative and innovative architecture and design firms. With a well-informed and accessible text by one of today's most respected architecture critics, this monograph is an essential addition to any design library. It is the perfect gift for students of architecture as well as anyone with an interest in the future of 21st century design.