Ralph Johnson of Perkins + Will

The work of Chicago architect Ralph Johnson explores the use of restrained modernism to enrich and clarify complex programmatic buildings with intriguing assemblies that reveal their functions and hierarchical relationships. Johnson's goal is form, through the social art of architecture - an urban environment of buildings that are good civic neighbours as well as distinguished citizens themselves. The projects in the book - both built and yet-to-be-built - represent the architect's concern for humanistic values and his emphasis on process rather than pre-conceived product, allowing the work to respond to the diverse cultures and urban conditions. The book includes essays by Rodolphe el-Khoury, Daniel Friedman and Thomas Fisher.