Rem Koolhaas returns to the basics with his latest publication, Elements of Architecture

Rem Koolhaas, the king of contemporary architectural theory, is at it again—this time, with a return to the basics.

Encapsulating his work as curator of the Venice Biennale’s 14th International Architecture Exhibition, Koolhaas’s latest book is an ode to the most universal building blocks of architecture: floor, wall, ceiling, roof, door, window, façade, balcony, corridor, fireplace, toilet, stair, escalator, elevator, and ramp. Each of these fundamentals exists as a standalone book in the 15-volume box set, titled Elements of Architecture.

Rather than focusing on the talent behind great buildings, Koolhaas puts a magnifying glass to the elements that make these buildings great. Take, for example, the first volume, Floor, which documents the relationship between "gravity and the upright body," citing Stanley Kubrick’s centrifugal floor in 2001: A Space Odyssey and Jackson Pollock’s gravity-induced splatter paintings as standout moments. Each book features commentary by star contributors from Koolhaas’s orbit, including Fang Zhenning, Niklas Maak, and Alejandro Zaera-Polo. The clean, colorful graphic design is by Irma Boom.

The result is a fascinating compendium of cultural references, iconic design, and everyday history that work together to turn architectural theory on its head.

Elements of Architecture is available now from Rizzoli.

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