City Builder

-The first complete monograph of James K. M. Cheng's architectural works -Chronicles the art, development and evolution of urban transformations, sustainable environments and impacts on civic design -Features the recently completed Shangri-La mixed-use tower, the tallest building in Vancouver and a new landmark in the cityscape -Comprises rich, full-color images, plans and diagrams throughout, including detailed photography, much of which is Cheng's personal photographic work This comprehensive, richly-illustrated monograph provides the first in-depth account of the award-winning work by James KM Cheng Architects, a Canadian firm recognized internationally for its 'Vancouverism' model of architecture and subsequent redefining of urbanism. As an insightful historical biographical sketch, this superb monograph chronicles how James K.M. Cheng's thinking and design work has evolved. The book is presented in glorious full-color, schematically under geographic and thematic rubrics. Cheng meticulously documented his own work, and as one of the most unique features of this impressive book much of the photography is by the architect himself, exhibiting architecture with a refined sense of proportion. The images are accompanied by explanatory and critical texts throughout. The text progresses through informative illustrations and interpretations of how these ideas have subsequently spread elsewhere in Canada, the United States, and Asia. City Builder: The Architecture of James K.M. Cheng reveals how his ideas have evolved to transform their urban contexts. Cheng's astute leadership skills have resulted in an outstanding range of award-winning projects, many of which are highly complex urban developments that incorporate leading-edge strategies for sustainability, building technology, and urbanism. The text also delves into the finer grain of city-building in Cheng's career-long interest in the design of single family homes. This is an impressive volume, and a must-have source of inspiration for the architect, designer or urban planner.