Identifying Trees by Sound

In his poetic, informative new book “The Song of Trees,” natural history writer David George Haskell describes his experiences lending binaural attention to trees. As The Atlantic describes, Haskell “visits a dozen specially chosen trees, including: a pear tree in the heart of Manhattan; an olive tree in Jerusalem; a sabal palm, roughing the salt and sun of a Georgian beach; a towering, rain-drenched ceibo …

Animals of a Bygone Era: An Illustrated Compendium

Written by Stockholm-based illustrator and architect Maja Säfström, this little hardcover book is as educational for adults as it is for children. Full of sweet and strange creatures (like the Opabinia, an ancient sea creature; and the Indriotherium; a hornless rhino) the book’s illustrations are delightful. Moreover, each animal featured is accompanied by fascinating facts, for example: Giant Pacarana were rodents the size of cows, …

Interview: Ma Yansong, Founder MAD Architects

Discussing perspective, nature and function in the wake of the PHAIDON book focused on the company's designs

by Alessandro De Toni When Westerners think about Chinese architecture, we oftentimes have two images in mind: old, grand pagodas settled on the top of a hill or titanic mega-projects breaking global records. Understanding the essence of Chinese architecture isn’t easy. Ma Yansong is a name that’s undeniably played a major role in shaping the idea of contemporary Chinese architecture and urban development in the …