Instrumental Form: Words, Buildings: Machines by Jones, Partners: Architecture/Wes Jones

Remind me

A reprinting of "Instrumental Form," the first monograph of J,P:A and Wes Jones, covering projects and essays from 1993-1998.

Originally published in 1999 by Princeton Architectural Press, Instrumental Form is the first publication of “Words, Buildings: Machines” produced by Wes Jones and the office of J,P:A. Sporting an AIGA award-winning bold graphic style, this publication documents the work of the office and its unique ongoing engagement with technology, from the office's inception in 1993 until 1997. The original edition has been long out of print and is much sought-after. With this 2nd Edtiion J,P:A hopes to make this early work more widely available without undercutting the value of those first editions still in the hands of OG fans.

The ideas and works presented in this volume have been influential not only to J,P:A's continuing practice, but to a wider cultural discourse within architecture. Including both essays and projects, as well as built works, this book traces the evolution of a uniquely consistent approach to technology and its relation to architecture during a time when technology was becoming invisible and architecture less important for that reason.

Included among the books award winning projects are the UCLA Cogeneration Facility, Zimmer Stair at University of Cincinnati, Confluence Point Bridges and Ranger Station, Shanghai North Bund Plaza, as well as many others. Each of these projects is explored in detail through text, photos and engaging architectural drawings, all displaying J,P:A’s signature graphic style.

Since Instrumental Form has been out of print and consequent escalation of its resale prices J,P:A has received many requests regarding the production of more copies. It is our goal to get more in circulation; however, due to the high cost of printing, we need your help!

Your support for the project will be greatly appreciated, and to help things along we will be offering some swag, including for example: a series of 3 custom screen printed posters (signed, limited run of 50), original signature proof sheets (signed by Wes Jones) from the initial printing run of Instrumental Form, and personally signed copies of Wes Jones’s other publications, “El Segundo,” “Meet the Nelsons” and – of course – the newly minted copies of "Instrumental Form" 2nd Edition.

REWARDS:

Signed signature sheet from original run of Instrumental Form, several available from each signature of the book

background track "Dead Millionaire" from the album BED, produced by DIAL 81, courtesy of Beverly Fresh: beverlyfresh.com

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The project files are ready to print and waiting on funding. We are currently working with a printer and have discussed many of the printing details prior to the launch of this project. From the end of a successful campaign to the books being ready for shipment, we estimate a time of 3 to 5 weeks. As is always the case, there may be hiccups during the printing process. However, we do not foresee any major logistical problems. We will keep those who have contributed to this project updated as to its progress and informed as to any concerns or issues that may arise.

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