Discover five book picks from Agatha Carolina, architect at Bitte Design Studio, who finds inspiration through travel, architecture, and reading.
As one of the leading architects at Bitte Design Studio, Agatha Carolina has become a well-known figure whose work has been trusted by major firms across Indonesia. Known for her innovative portfolio in architecture and interior design, the mother of two enjoys traveling and reading, two hobbies that continue to broaden her knowledge and perspective.
A little background: Agatha, or Olin, is an architect from Jakarta, born in 1988. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Universitas Parahyangan in Bandung before pursuing a master’s degree in Interior and Spatial Design at Chelsea College of Arts in London. Her passion for and curiosity about design have shaped her perspective on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and experiential.
Here are five book recommendations from Olin on architecture and interior design.
Studio KO
Studio KO Documentation
A monograph by the French architecture firm known for its modern and contemporary aesthetic, subtly blending historical and cultural references.
Studio KO places a strong emphasis on a detailed understanding of materials, light, and space. Rather than following ever-changing and repetitive trends, the studio prioritizes atmospheric quality and the timelessness of its designs, creating works that grow more valuable over time.
Atmospheres
Peter Zumthor Documentation
Peter Zumthor invites readers to understand architecture as a deeply sensory experience. In this book, he emphasizes the importance of intangible qualities such as light, materials, sound, and texture in shaping the atmosphere of a space.
Peter Zumthor Documentation
The book encourages readers to become more attuned to the emotional and psychological dimensions of space, inspiring them to create environments that go beyond functionality and evoke a deeper emotional experience.
The Architecture of Happiness
Alain de Botton explores the relationship between environmental design and human emotional well-being. He examines how architecture, color, and materials can influence happiness, identity, and quality of life.
The book encourages readers to become more aware of how their surroundings affect their feelings and thoughts, while highlighting the importance of creating spaces that inspire and bring happiness.
Evocation Style
Kelly Wearstler Documentation
Kelly Wearstler is a name that often comes up when discussing luxury interior design, known for blending classic Hollywood glamour with a modern touch. She achieves this through bold textures and patterns, attention-grabbing colors, and a mod baroque aesthetic.
Kelly Wearstler Documentation
In this book, you get to “step into” Kelly’s creative mind. She shares how her imagination “plays” a role in designing her residential and commercial projects.
The Future of Architecture
Cover of The Future of Architecture; Doc. The First Edition Rare Books
A book that has become a bible for Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts. The Future of Architecture brings together his ideas on organic architecture and the role of humans in creating harmony between the two.
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Frank emphasizes the importance of architecture that exists in harmony with nature and human needs. He also presents a vision of the future in which architecture is seen as a fundamental necessity in creating a democratic society.
The five books Olin selected clearly share a common thread: architecture and design as holistic experiences involving emotion, the senses, and identity. From explorations of atmosphere and materiality to the relationship between space and happiness, as well as the importance of innovation and boldness in expression, all five books reflect Olin’s approach to her practice. And beyond books, you can also learn about brutalist architecture from the film The Brutalist, too!
