Years ago, I remember saying to my mother-in-law — a true homebody who resisted flying, much less venturing past the grocery store — that she and her husband should travel some since they had both retired. No need, she said, when they could just as easily see faraway places on TV.
Now, like or not, we’re all having to live like my dear late mother-in-law. Any travel these days has to be viewed rather than experienced in real life. That’s why this new book, Travel by Design, has such great timing.
As we await new treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19, I suspect that anyone reading this introduction shares my belief that travel in the months ahead will be more select and more appreciated than ever before, once we can finally return to trains and planes at will.
Peter Sallick, founder of the Design Leadership Network
In the Design Leadership Network‘s first book, published by Assouline, Sallick and editor Michael Boodro have showcased sumptuous travel photography and commentary from among more than 150 heads of architecture, design and landscape architecture firms across the country.
Notably, several DC talents are featured in the mix. Here’s the local sampling from this book that would make the perfect holiday gift in a year when we’re all being forced to stay at home.
(Only a few of the images from the book were released to use, which is why some of the commentary is not accompanied by a picture.)
Havana is made up of tragically beautiful ruined buildings, frozen in 1960.
DC architect Ankie Barnes
As someone who uses stone on every project, it was especially impressive to see such craftsmanship at Machu Picchu, in this extreme location and environment.
Virginia landscape architect Richard Arentz
The gentle beauty of the people of Bangkok and their connection to spiritual goodness is both remarkable and enlightening. The invitation to explore their culture is amongst the most welcoming of many cities I have visited.
DC Designer Thomas Pheasant
I think Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the world: A peninsula surrounded by clean, crashing ocean, with the city itself scattered around a striking mountain.
DC architect Ankie Barnes, who grew up in Cape Town
Venice, to me, is about exploration — there is something magical in traversing its ‘streets’ and alleys by boat; its walls are full of secrets and history. Venice is a study in artisanship — explored through its art, architecture and engineering.”
DC designer andrew law
The connection with and respect for nature in all aspects of Japanese culture is stunning. A restraint unique to Japanese style is found in their ability to yield to nature while taking control.”
DC designer thomas pheasant, speaking about Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is an absolute must for everyone, but especially any designer. What’s inspiring is the play of the sense; there is an incredible sense of calm that comes from balance, scale and editing that informs the simplest gestures. There is a sublime inside/outside connection to seemingly every structure, and always a careful consideration of design and detail, down to methods of training trees into the perfect shape; or even the beautiful means for stabilizing them as they mature.”
Virginia landscape architect richard arentz
The lure of Middleburg is its rolling hills and pastoral scenery, which are reminiscent of the English countryside. if you love horses or antiques, this is a great escape.
DC designer joe ireland
Travel By Design covers more than 100 locations in 60 countries across the world. An equally valuable section in the back offers a directory containing DLN members’ best suggestions for hotels, restaurants, shopping, museums and activities — even travel services for particular countries. I’m going to be using this section when we’re all allowed to go out again, and in the meantime, I’ll be swooning over the photography, trying to decide where to go first!