Skira Monograph Surveys James Wines and SITE's Postmodern Best Products Stores
The monograph titled What Else Could It Mean?, published by Skira, showcases the drawings and writings of James Wines along with his New York-based firm, Sculpture in the Environment (SITE), which he established in 1970. Born in 1932, Wines transformed SITE into a notable postmodern architectural firm, despite much of its output being lost to demolition. Edited by architectural historian Phillip Denny, the publication features over 400 images representing around 100 of SITE's completed projects, with a focus on work for Best Products Company, Inc., founded by Sydney and Frances Lewis. Key designs highlighted include the Indeterminate Façade in Houston, the Notch in Sacramento, and the Forest Building in Richmond, Virginia. Now in his 90s, Wines remains an environmental advocate. The book retails for £50 / $65 / €60.
Key facts
- What Else Could It Mean? is published by Skira and edited by Phillip Denny
- James Wines founded Sculpture in the Environment (SITE) in New York in 1970
- Wines was born in 1932 and trained as a sculptor and graphic designer
- Best Products Company, Inc. was founded by Sydney and Frances Lewis in the late 1950s
- SITE designed nine Best Products big-box stores
- The Forest Building in Richmond, Virginia, is the only surviving Best store and is now a church
- The monograph reproduces over 400 images and sketches from SITE's portfolio of around 100 completed works
- The book is priced at £50 / $65 / €60
Entities
Artists
- James Wines
- Sydney Lewis
- Frances Lewis
- Willi Smith
- Virgil Abloh
- Phillip Denny
- Jonathan Bell
Institutions
- Sculpture in the Environment (SITE)
- Best Products Company, Inc.
- WilliWear
- Off-White
- Skira
- Harvard University
- Pratt Institute
- Wallpaper*
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Houston
- Texas
- Sacramento
- California
- Richmond
- Virginia
- Hamden
- Connecticut
- Maryland