A book about architecture in South Tyrol

With Christmas just around the corner, Livegreenblog continues its series dedicated to books for architects. This book by David Calas, published by Folio publishers based in Bolzano and Vienna features architectural sites in South Tyrol, one of the most famous Italian regions for its innovative and sustainable architecture.


South Tyrol is one of Italy's go-to places for architecture lovers. If you're one of those people, then you can plan your trip with this useful guide - the book called Schauplätze der Architektur in Südtirol (Architecture sites in South Tyrol), subtitled “Vivere la cultura costruttiva” (living the constructive culture) by the architect, David Calas.
Calas selected 47 places scattered across the region and broke them down into eight chapters, or categories. From high altitude architecture to iconic houses, from landscape designs to infrastructure or urban squares, passing through refurbishments on the way to sacred architecture and hospitality facilities, it provides a broad overview of the architectural output in South Tyrol. Texts, drawings and photos, which are in some cases enhanced by augmented reality content thanks to a free app, show how the many guises of architecture can improve our quality of life.
With this book, David Calas has a specific goal - to take quality architecture to a wider audience. The projects in the book aren't showcased simply because of their aesthetic or through the drawings, since the author's narrative seeks to explain some of the reasons behind certain design decisions, often with stand-out visual results. Those same decisions that turn out to be quite simple and comprehensible in the book, thanks to the explanations. Therefore, architecture is manifested “as a constructed commentary on the specific social conditions that respond to the environment and to real requirements”. 
This book really makes you want to explore the places; it is a manifesto of the state of the art of architecture in South Tyrol and a valuable guide for all lovers of fine architecture. 

Christiane Bürklein

Book: Schauplätze der Architektur in Südtirol. Baukultur erleben.
Author: David Calas
Publisher: Folio Verlag, Bozen – Wien
Concept: David Calas with Sven Wuttej and Clemens Horvath
Images: Sven Wuttej
Flexo-Cover, colour illustrations,
136 pages, 19 x 24.5 cm
ISBN 978-3-85256-733-4
Find out more: http://www.folioverlag.com/info/kunstbuch/architektur/de/978-3-85256-733-4