10 sought-after books to gift to design lovers

1. Vector Architects: Gong Dong and the Art of Building

This hardcover published by Rizzoli gives a peek into Chinese design where Gong Dong’s architecture marries the craftsmanship of the old with the requirements of the modern world.  Founder of the award-winning firm Vector Architects, Dong is known for his sustainable and eco-sensitive construction. This beautifully illustrated book presents the firm’s most commendable works, and is the first one to document it in English. From the Seashore Chapel that makes a unique statement whilst drawing parallels between Le Corbusier and Tadao Ando, to other interesting projects, it's a feast for those with a keen design eye.

2. Carlo Scarpa: Architecture and Design

Revered Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa is known as the master of architecture of the 20th century, and his teachings remain relevant even today. Known for his play of materials and balancing the new with the old, Scarpa’s works find their way into this hardcover by Rizzoli. The book, which was launched to mark his centenary, includes all his works, presented for the first time. From the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona to the Olivetti Showroom in Venice, and his glass designs, it has it all. There are also essays by architects and architecture critics giving readers an overview of Scarpa's life as well as interpretations of his architecture.

3. Inside the Homes of Artists: For Art's Sake

Get a good look into the homes of some of the most prestigious artists from around the world as this volume by Rizzoli takes you inside these private residences. These international artists span the globe, taking you from New York to New Delhi and Johannesburg to Buenos Aires, among others. Shot by Jean-François Jaussaud with words by Tiqui Atencio Demirdjian, the book features homes of several artists including names such as Claire Tabouret, Guillermo Kuitca, Subodh Gupta and Bharti Kher. Combining art and interiors, it gives us a real view of how artists love their personal spaces to be designed.

4. Soft Minimal

Published by Gestalten, Soft Minimal is a 304-page hardcover that showcases works of Germany-based Norm Architects. Taking readers on a sensory journey of architecture and design, the book highlights the firm’s humane simplicity that helps shape environments which feel just as good as they look. The essence of Norm Architects’ style is balance in everything, guided by the purpose of wellbeing. This first, self-curated monograph by the firm highlights a range of their works including residential and commercial projects in Scandinavia, Italy and Japan. Their creative process blends Nordic traditions with modernist principles using natural materials, creating poetic visuals.

5. The House of Green

Another coffee table collectible from Gestalten, this book delves into finding the sweet spot where nature and modern-day living meet. Focussing on natural homes and biophilic architecture, it delivers solutions for a perfect blend of both these worlds. The book draws the reader’s attention to stunning architecture and interiors incorporating nature into their designs. From homes to workplaces and more, it showcases equilibrium for that ever-elusive balance between tranquillity, technology, work and play. Blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, these structures let nature take over architecture, creating an ambience that provides respite amidst everyday chaos.

6. Living in Asia. 40th Ed.

Published by Taschen, Living in Asia is a multilingual book available in English, French and German, that shines a spotlight on Asian living spaces. From local architectural practices to the region’s colonial history and the advent of modern design, it traces different design sensibilities across Asia. Extraordinary interiors are showcased by intricately capturing breath-taking homes across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos. Beautifully-shot visuals by Reto Guntli are complemented with evocative writing by Sunil Sethi, to bring this book to life. From a Tibetan monastery to a private villa, a plantation, a palace and more, each of the 40 featured abodes are a revelation of some of Asia’s best designs.

7. Living in Bali. 40th Ed.

Peel through pages of exotic Balinese homes constructed in harmony with nature. Its lush tropical scenery takes centre stage as the designs are mostly devoid of walls and function as spaces to look out and take in the stunning views. From gorgeous green landscapes to majestic mountains and beautiful coastlines, these abodes highlight natural as well as built design. The wooden architecture, thatched roofs and earthy tones define these homes, creating luxurious yet comforting cocoons. Published by Taschen, shot by Reto Guntli with words by Anita Lococo, Living in Bali is a compact showcase of rustic paradises boasting simple yet elegant living.

8. Sar: The Essence of Indian Design

A hardback published by Phaidon, this book explores the timeless beauty of Indian design through a thoughtful curation of 200 classic objects. Written by Swapnaa Tamhane and Rashmi Varma, the 304-page book features 480 illustrations. It explores elements that make Indian design special, featuring objects that have an integral connection to Indian culture. Think wooden printing block, uruli, lotus chhatra light, and more. With influences on Indian culture by Mughals, the British Raj and others, these are reflected in the designs as well. The book also highlights handmade designs by the country’s skilled artisans and craftspeople that have been refined over time.

9. Bawa

Published by Thames & Hudson and written by David Robson who is an authority on the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, this book features his complete works in all their glory. Robson was close friends with the architect for nearly 30 years, and also an architecture professor. Through this book, he draws attention to Bawa’s early works where vernacular styles blended with modern architecture in an artful manner. His style that gained legendary status not just in Sri Lanka but all over the globe, was applied to public buildings, hotels, schools and offices. The book features his most important and even rarely seen works, along with his own residences in Sri Lanka.

10. Homes for Our Time. Small Houses

Small-scale architectural interventions that prove that 100 square metres is enough for designing sustainably, intelligently and creatively. This book published by Taschen helps readers discover the beauty of some of the world’s finest small homes, paying homage to petite architecture and responsible living. With a motto of dream big, build small, works of Alphaville, Olson Kundig, BIG, Aranza de Ariño, Takeshi Hosaka, and MAPA come alive in this hardcover. It is a tribute to the endless artistic inventiveness of architects as humanity faces harsh realities like climate change, overpopulation, and strain on resources. Spanning 25 countries, it features small houses designed by 57 architects, ranging from locations in deep wilderness to dense urban setups.

Photography by Kiran Nama