The best books this month to offer advice on architecture and sustainability

Material and modus operandi come into focus this month with the release of two must-have tomes that investigate the guiding practices and philosophies of present-day architecture.

Soft Minimal: A Sensory Approach to Architecture & Design (Gestalten)

Guided by the purpose of wellbeing, the essence of Norm Architects’ style is balance: richness focused by restraint, simplicity imbued with warmth, and complexity heightened by order. Be it architecture, interiors or furniture, Norm’s unique brand of soft minimalism speaks to the mind as much as the body, creating and curating spaces for all.

The first self-curated monograph by Norm Architects, Soft Minimal showcases a range of works that facilitated its establishment as a key figure within Nordic design. Presenting residential and commercial projects throughout Scandinavia, Italy and Japan, Norm reflects on Scandinavian traditions, modernist principles and the importance of natural materials. Exploring a creative process that makes the visual speak to all senses, the book becomes insightful, inspirational and deeply poetic.

Brick by Brick: Architecture and Interiors Built with Bricks (Gestalten)

Oh, the horror of misused face brick; the tasteless neighbourhood nightmare. Or perhaps the oft misplaced clay friend to design and advancement? You be the judge. The venerable brick is one of the oldest and most sustainable building materials worldwide. It is simple yet versatile, modest yet resilient, global in usage yet local in appearance.

Recently, young architects have been rediscovering the circular use of brick and embracing its warm, aesthetic appeal to design some of today’s most exciting buildings. Brick by Brick showcases the best examples of modern brick applications on residential buildings and interiors. These forward-looking projects push the boundaries of brick architecture and design, revitalising traditional forms and making them contemporary, showing how human civilisation can help build our future.