Element - Cecil Balmond

The genius of Cecil Balmond is behind some of the world's most exciting architectural endeavours, from Anish Kapoor's gigantic sculpture Marsyas at Tate Modern to Rem Koolhaas' CCTV buildings in Beijing. Balmond is the great innovator of form and following the success of his book "Informal", now examines nature and its patterns. He looks through drawing and composition at a perception of space that has interconnected narratives. "Element" uses pattern, mathematics and advanced geometry to create an unconventional exploration of design. Balmond's narrative unfolds in three conceptual chapters - elements, pattern, nature - linked by two conceptual bridges - digital 'tectonics' and numbers. Each of these aspects relates to the others in a number of ways, leading to an invaluable insight into the design process, a highly engrossing journey through the world around us from the natural elements to the most advanced building designs.