“The representation of creative ideas is of primary importance within any design-based discipline, and is particularly relevant in architecture where we often do not get to see the finished results, i.e. the building, until the very end of the design process. Initial concepts are developed through a process that enables the designer to investigate, revise, and further refine ideas in increasing detail until such a point that the projects design is sufficiently consolidate to be constructed. Models can be extraordinary versatile objects within this process, enabling designers to express thoughts creatively. (…).”

French novelist Gustave Flaubert’s expression, “le bon Dieu est le détail” became a cliché for one reason, it is true. God does dwell in the details, and well done details are often the difference between a mundane building and a transcendent one. That is what makes it so easy to spend hours combing through books like Virginia McLeod’s Encyclopedia of Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture. This book is a great resource of contemporary details with over 700 construction details and 100 of the best contemporary residences by firms such as The Miller Hull Partnership, Safdie Rabines Architects, Steven Holl Architects, and many more.

More information after the break.