I have not been buying design books lately.

April 15th, 2008 | by gordon |

Last two weeks, a shipment of really cool books came into the office. I wonder why I didn’t spend a single cent on any of the books… But I feel a little guilty though. Always had that hidden motive/desire to collect as many design books as possible but I lost that interest lately. Perhaps, I put it on hold for a while to keep my other options wider.

Those days, I would grab any Phaidon design books almost without even looking at the price tag. Books by Princeton Architectural Press become instant classics on my shelf. Most of my design heros monographs come from Booth Clibborn while Hyphen Press feeds me with really serious heavy reading. Books published by Laurence King have also been among the prominent ones on the bookshelf.

As a student, I’ve always refer to these books as a guide on what design is and about. Also used them as visual references at times. Definitely allowed them to inspire me a lot during that time. They also played a very important role in shaping all my current design thoughts.

The only two books that I might purchase for now is Things I have learned in my life so far & Jonathan Barnbrooks new design monograph. I have also considered Micheal Bierut’s book, Maira Kalman’s, Rick Poynor’s Designing Pornotopia and anything by Jessica Helford.

But most of my money for the books went to the below:

  1. Deevana Resort, Patong, Phuket
  2. Island hopping
  3. Bangla Boxing Stadium
  4. Beer, beer & more beer
  5. Shooting bullets through Revolver’s and Sniper’s
  6. Food, deserts, food, deserts
  7. Buying ammo for Songkran

The thing is I have no regrets on any of the above. In fact, I feel even much more inspired by these things compared to looking at design books. Or reading Emigre magazines from cover to cover. I find myself refreshed after that crazy trip to Phuket with three amigos (will try to post pictures later, I didn’t bring a camera with me).

I learned to look at things in a more global way. Absorb in foreign culture, knowledge and lifestyle in a much faster phrase compared to staring at a book. I find things like this educating as well. By just pushing yourself a little to the edge, you see the much wider horizon. Plus, its really an enjoying thing to do; traveling. I guess my next trip might be maybe even sooner than I think it will be.

So I guess that proves that trying to fill up your environment with design is not really a fun thing to do at times.

Prox It