Herzog & de Meuron 1997-2001 Hardcover November 20, 2008

The reception of the "Herzog & de Meuron 1997-2001 1st Edition" book has been overwhelmingly negative among customers. While the previous volumes in the series garnered praise for their quality and thoughtful presentation, this fourth installment appears to have strayed from the high standards set by its predecessors. Critics have noted a stark decline in both the graphic design and content organization. One of the primary grievances is the poor layout, which reviewers describe as unprofessional and chaotic. The designs are criticized for their amateur-like quality, with inappropriate font choices and inadequate spacing. Furthermore, the project presentations lack the large, high-quality images that fans have come to expect, opting instead for a multitude of small thumbnails that fail to do justice to Herzog & de Meuron’s work. Additionally, the new format complicates the reader's engagement with the projects. Important elements such as drawings, sketches, and full-sized photos are scattered throughout, forcing readers to flip back and forth to get a coherent understanding of each project. This jumbled presentation, combined with the use of cheaper paper, has left customers feeling that the price tag does not reflect the value of the content. Ultimately, while some collectors may wish to have this book to complete their series, many feel inclined to look for alternative sources, such as the El Croquis series, which is perceived to present Herzog & de Meuron’s work more effectively. **