Utilitarian simplicity and graceful beauty: The inspirational vision of Jean Prouvé "One should not sketch out utopian projects, because evolution can only result from practical experience." --Jean Prouvé French architect and designer Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) was one of the most important constructors of the 20th century. Prouvé's design innovations included cleverly-shaped metal parts for building prefabricated structures; he designed buildings and furniture that could be produced with economy of labor and material and efficiency in use, while maintaining high technical standards and quality materials. His simple and elegant style, while born from the desire for inexpensive production, has become an imitable aesthetic and has earned him a position as one of the century's most influential designers. This introduction to Prouvé's work gives a profound insight into the variety of his oeuvre and the progressiveness of his inspirational vision. About the Series: Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Architecture Series features: an introduction to the life and work of the architect the major works in chronological order information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts and plans)