Phaidon to publish Red Architecture in Monochrome – intense eye-catching architecture across the centuries

Red: Architecture in Monochrome is a fascinating and visually rich exploration into the beauty—and the drama—of red in the built environment. This groundbreaking survey demonstrates the colour red’s significance in both traditional and cutting edge architecture around the world.

Featuring over 150 buildings spanning almost one and a half thousand years of architectural history, Red: Architecture in Monochrome explores the extraordinary diversity of the colour red in architecture. Discover a vermillion-painted temple in Kyoto dating from 711, a medieval City Hall in Germany built the Red Fort in Delhi, and vernacular farm buildings in Scandinavia, a bridge in Vietnam, traditional cottages on the English coast, and temples in India.

This vibrant tome showcases works by some of the world’s most notable architects including Daniel Libeskind, Jean Nouvel, MVRDV, Bjarke Ingels, Steven Holl, Frank Gehry and Tadao Ando as well as esteemed artists who explore architectural themes such as Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor and Do Ho Suh. Each entry is illustrated with stunning photography and accompanied by an engaging text that explores the function of red in the building’s design. A fascinating opening essay by Stella Paul introduces the importance of the colour red in art, social history and architecture providing a wider historical context to this eye-catching colour.

Red: Architecture in Monochrome is interspersed with classic song lyrics and insightful quotes relating to the striking colour – from famous names such as Bill Blass, Carole King, Christian Loubotin and Henri Matisse – provide unique perspectives on how red has influenced their work, while also highlighting its impact throughout popular culture.

Following the success of Black: Architecture in Monochrome, this visual compendium of awe-inspiring architecture is a fantastic continuation of the Architecture in Monochrome series. Perfect for architecture aficionados and all those who appreciate the aesthetics of great architecture, Red: Architecture in Monochrome demonstrates how this captivating shade is both one of the most traditional –and the most contemporary – colours in architecture.