8 Profound Design Books — In the Children's Section

8 Profound Design Books — In the Children's Section

Looking for some fantastic literature saturated in architectural and design ideas? Below are eight cerebral works of genius that provoke creativity that is free and the imagination. It’s true that you could curl up on the sofa with Venturi’s Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture,in case you are into that type of thing. Or, you can visit a publication, snag these 8 books and spend a day smiling with inspiration.

Firstly, you’ll come across each volume in the children’s part.

Amazon

The Big Orange Splot, by Daniel Manus Pinkwater

“My home is me and I’m it. My residence is where I like to be and it looks like all of my dreams.”

This book is a treatise on originality. Let us send a copy to every tube builder and homeowner association’s in the country. Power to the people!

Amazon

Not a Box, by Antoinette Portis – $7.19

“‘Why are you sitting in a box?’
‘Since it’s not a box.'”

Remember when you were a youngster and could open a gift using a toy inside, but found that the box to be more fun than the toy? Why? Since the toy was that the toy, but the box could be anything!

Amazon

The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, by Eric Carle

“I’m an artist and I paint …
… a blue horse …
… a red crocodile …”

The artist’s eye sees otherwise: different layouts, shapes, textures and — as Eric Carle exemplifies — colours. That is their gift. Shame on my third-grade teacher for chastising me coloring my chocolate ice cream cone black!

Penguin Random House

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl – $15.95

“We are the music makers … and we are the dreamers of dreams.”

The architect’s manifesto, by Willy Wonka. This book can also be a dissertation on good versus poor behavior. But first and foremost, this narrative produced a magical movie moment.

Amazon

Frederick, by Leo Lionni – $6.29

“‘Frederick, why don’t you work?’ They asked.
‘I do work,’ said Frederick, ‘I collect sunlight beams for the cold dark winter.'”

Frederick appears to be lazy and useless. However, as winter sets in and the food stores deplete, Frederic’s family discovers that he has a talent with words that gives them hope.

Amazon

Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson – $6.29

“Harold understood that the higher he went, the further he may see. So he chose to produce the hill into a mountain.”

There is nothing as precious as a child’s imagination. We have discussed this before. For most adults, maturity means the passing of childlike imagination. What a shame.

Amazon

Roberto the Insect Architect, by Nina Laden – $12.78

“Roberto hunted all around town for the ideal site. He found an abandoned, run-down block of crumbing buildings. It was a entire mess. There were piles of old wood and trash everywhere.
It was what he was looking for.”

Roberto feels that a desire to exercise his gifts, but not for his own glory; something a lot people could stand to learn from.

Amazon

Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds – $10.89

“Ramon sensed energized and light. Thinking ish-ly allowed his thoughts to flow freely.
He began to draw what he sensed — loose lines.
Instantly Figuring out.
Without worry.”

The liberty of “ish”! My friend and engineer, Dave, and I have a running joke about his inability to be “ish” and my inability to be exact. Given our careers, it’s probably best that he’s accurate and I stay “ish.”

Tell us What children’s books have inspired you and why?

More:
MoMA’s First Kids’ Storybook Draws on Architects
What Can You Imagine With Lego’s New Architecture Kit?

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