5 Must-Have Books

WORDS Debbie Loots

You don’t have to venture down to the bookshop to search for the latest reads on architecture, design and decor. We’ve saved you the trouble and gathered our five must-have books on your favourite topics.

1. PONTE CITY

You’ve simply got to get hold of Mikhael Subotzky, Patrick Waterhouse and Ivan Vladislavic’s striking Ponte City. Launched at the Joburg Art Fair in August this year, it tracks the lives of tenants of this iconic Hillbrow block, in haunting photographs and essays by various contributors. R1 710, Goodman Gallery, goodman-gallery.com.

2. INTERIORS

You’ve got to love this collection of the most jaw-dropping and inspirational interiors, put together by Australia’s Martyn Thompson. Think Francisco Costa, creative director of Calvin Klein, Italian jewellery designer Elsa Peretti and fashion designer Anna Sui. This is a must for any decor enthusiast. R588, kalahari.com

3. DESIGN

Susie Hodge’s Design is just the best. It teaches you all about the world’s most amazing product designers, from the more established to the latest and greatest. Don’t tell us names like Philippe Starck and Le Corbusier don’t get your heart racing! It’s compact and fun to read. R283, exclus1ves.co.za

4. BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR

We just had to find something eco-conscious. Oslo Architecture Triennale’s Behind the Green Door: A Critical Look at Sustainable Architecture through 600 Objects shows how architecture has been affected by the so-called green wave and 100 experts share their views. R744, exclus1ves.co.za

5. SA DÉCOR AND DESIGN 2015

Our very own local decor and design guru Marcia Margolius is back with the newest SA Décor and Design – The Buyers’ Guide. Don’t let that last bit put you off, this book is a bible for lovers of beautiful interiors. It give you tips on where to find what, who’s who in the local design world, lists of suppliers and even which products are best suited to your home. R275, kalahari.com