Atlantis

A Journey in Search of Beauty

Renzo Piano author Carlo Piano author Will Schutt translator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

Published:19th Nov '20

Should be back in stock very soon

Atlantis cover

In Atlantis, Renzo Piano and his son embark on a journey to explore beauty and perfection in architecture while searching for the mythical city of Atlantis.

In Atlantis, world-renowned architect Renzo Piano embarks on a captivating journey with his son Carlo, setting sail from Genoa in search of the mythical city of Atlantis. This quest is not just about finding a lost civilization but also about exploring the essence of beauty and perfection in architecture and society. The allure of Atlantis, described as the perfect city, serves as a metaphor for the ideal society that many dream of yet few have seen.

As they navigate through various iconic locations, including the Pacific Ocean, the Thames, the Seine, and beyond, Renzo reflects on his architectural creations, viewing them as integral pieces of a larger mosaic. Each destination provides a backdrop for contemplation, where he measures not only the physical landscape but also the intangible qualities of beauty and imperfection inherent in every building project. This journey is as much about the exploration of the world as it is about self-discovery and the pursuit of artistic vision.

Ultimately, Atlantis is a celebration of the human spirit's quest for perfection amidst the imperfections of reality. Renzo and Carlo's voyage becomes a metaphor for life itself, where the pursuit of beauty is an ongoing journey, and the true essence of architecture lies in its ability to resonate with the complexities of existence. Their adventure is a reminder that while the ideal may be elusive, the quest is what enriches our understanding of the world.

“The pair reflect in a series of conversations on architecture, art, philosophy and much else besides, linked by Carlo's lyrical descriptions of life at sea.”
“We find a great wealth of observation and contemplation in their writing…. Atlantis is a travelogue, a handbook on sailing and architecture, and a rumination on what beauty means.” * The TLS *
"Travel, memoir, family relations. It’s a bit of everything. A very enjoyable blend of architectural tails and the musings of a highly successful perfectionist." * Geographical *
A starred review: “An intimate and insightful chronicle of exploration and revelation.”
“Complex, tender, moving.” * La Repubblica *
“Engaging and endlessly original.” * Bon Culture *
"An audaciously ambitious, unfailingly beguiling book." * Bookanista *
"Totally engaging, from start to finish; the narrative interesting and intriguing, with the addition of that element of humanity that only two people who know each other as well as these two could bring." * Word By Word *

ISBN: 9781787702615

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

320 pages