Rafael Viñoly Architects

Among the handful of today's international celebrity architects, Rafael Viñoly is perhaps the one who falls most under the radar of architecture pundits and tastemakers. Jodidio's nearly exhaustive portfolio of Viñoly's works, spanning built and unbuilt projects from the 1960s to the present, clearly shows why. Here is a major talent willing—and, indeed, insisting upon the need—to subordinate style to the client's programmatic needs, which results in a dazzlingly diverse oeuvre and in consequence lacking a recognizable visual brand signature. Jodidio has published numerous surveys and monographs on contemporary architecture (e.g., Architecture: Nature), and this is one of his best yet. As usual, it's devoid of meaningful critique, but this oversize volume offers a veritable feast of photos, illustrations, plans, and what might be called full and objective captions, which describe them all. Also included are an interview with Viñoly and statements from members of his firm.