Colors of the World

Most people who are interested in vernacular architecture are intrested in questions of sytle and building function. Jean Phillipe and Dominique Lenclos have a different approach. They are fascinated by questions of how a building's colors reflect its surroundings. In pursuit of these questions, they created a fascinating analytical model called the "Geography of Color". It is a unique system and the book's six hundred beautifully rendered photographs are harnessed to illucidate their approach. "Colors of the World" is an intoxicating book which will be of great interest to both students of vernacular architecture and color. For those who appreciate this book, be sure to check out "Spectacular Vernacular" by Jean Louis Bourgoise and "Built by Hand" by Eiko Komatsu. "Colors of the World" is a beautiful book and it is highly recommended.

I was expecting much more. It seems like the author went to a FEW locations around the world and shot photos within a block. I was hoping for something a lot more. I was disappointed and would not really recommend it. All of these books suffer from the same bunch of blahs. Nothing exceptional here. Check it out at the local library first and then decide. There are a lot of very beautiful idea books out there this is not one of them.

I wanted it to be more than what it is. The photos are just ok. Way over-priced.

"Windows framed in sculpted wood are particularly elaborate and often take on the appearance of finely worked lace accentuated with white, with blue frequently added as a counterpoint." ~ pg. 141Through six hundred color photographs, Jean Philippe and Dominique Lenclos reveal the cultural significance of color in eleven countries. The pictures are from the United States, Guatemala, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Iran, Yemen, India and Japan.I was surprised to notice some of the similarities in architectures in houses in Concarneau, France and Findochty, Scotland. The magical blue color of the houses in Jodhpur, India is stunning in beauty. The earth tones in Morocco contrast sharply with the bright mural covered homes in South Africa. The subdued grays and browns of Japan seem to reflect a meditative quality. The prettiest homes seem to be in Russia. The intricate designs on the window frames are especially beautiful.While this book mostly focuses on houses there are some pictures of a graveyard and a few pictures of markets in public squares. Some of the pictures are enhanced by the residents standing or sitting outside their homes in colorful traditional clothing.I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in architecture or color. This photographic journey through the world will leave you with a deeper understanding of culture and traditions. The authors explain why certain colors are used in various countries which makes this all the more fascinating.~The Rebecca Review

A Husband and Wife team bring their insights together in a book that exudes beauty and order in the natural and the built environments. The photos are meticulously color balanced, the natural hues in buildings are inspiring and life affirming. The book is so multi-faceted that it could have other titles as well, "Color in Geometry" and "Homes with Soul" would be appropriate. The book deserves a cloth cover, much like Christopher Alexanders opus "The Theory of Life. This is a book you will come back to when you need to recharge your soul with the beauty of man and nature in harmony. I smiled a lot while looking through the book. Give this book to your friends, it's that good!

I'm tired of the fluffy books about color. Here is some concrete studies on color use in different cultures with relation to architectural color choices. This information is the perfect addition to my thesis research for grad school on the topic of cultural differences in color perception. Plus, it is so beautiful to look at! Really beautiful.

This is a great coffee table book. It brings the colors and architecture of the world into your living room. The pictures are beautiful.