There’s an appealing tension between concrete and plant life and Gestalten’s latest coffee table book Concrete Jungle celebrates the best examples of the style of architecture built around this idea. Known as the Tropical Modernist style, it originated in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka with buildings integrated into their surroundings with almost futuristic results, capitalising on the Modernist style and Bauhaus aesthetics by blending them with greenery galore.
Other countries that have successfully adopted the style are equally verdant, with prime examples found in Brazil and Mexico including Luis Barragán’s kaleidoscopic Cuadra San Cristóbal home in Mexico and Canoas House by Oscar Niemeyer which are both highlighted in Concrete Jungle. Other projects include Paulo Mendes da Rocha’s Butantã House and the Glass House by Lina Bo Bardi.
Not only are the projects in Concrete Jungle exhilarating examples of their own style of architecture, but are also thoughtfully presented from an interior perspective with the book delivering ample inspiration for ways to style a home, with emphasis on the use of timber and indoor plants. If you’ve already devoured Assouline’s Impossible Collection of Champagne and are looking for your next read, Concrete Jungle is available from March 28th on Gestalten with an RRP of €60 (AU$95) with free international shipping.
