【BOOK DESCRIPTION】
In the early twentieth century, a series of elegantly proportioned residential buildings with refined classical detailing emerged across New York, ushering in the golden age of apartment living. These buildings not only redefined the quality of urban residence, but also established new aesthetic standards for scale, materials, craftsmanship, and the relationship between architecture and its surrounding neighborhood. After decades dominated by modernist architecture, this design approach—combining historical depth with the needs of contemporary living—has once again gained prominence, with the New York–based architecture firm RAMSA playing a leading role in its revival.
《Urban Elegance》presents a comprehensive overview of RAMSA’s most representative luxury residential towers in recent years. Featured projects include the celebrated 15 Central Park West and 220 Central Park South in New York, along with high-end residential developments in South Florida, San Francisco, Chicago, Lima, London, Tianjin, and Shanghai. From established New York neighborhoods to emerging metropolitan centers around the world, the book demonstrates how RAMSA carries forward the spirit of classical architecture while responding to the climate, culture, and ways of living unique to each location.
Rather than simply reproducing historical styles, RAMSA draws upon local architectural traditions, urban contexts, materials, and craftsmanship to develop an architectural language suited to contemporary residential life. Each project is accompanied by an essay introducing the history, urban character, and design inspirations of its setting, explaining how the building’s form, proportions, and material choices establish a meaningful relationship with its surroundings. Conversations with RAMSA partners Michael Jones, Gemma Kim, Daniel Lobitz, and Paul Whalen offer further insight into the complete design process, from the development of initial concepts and key decisions to the final realization of each project.
The book features an extensive selection of photographs, ranging from the buildings’ relationship with the surrounding cityscape to detailed views of façades, entrances, railings, stonework, and decorative elements. These images reveal the carefully considered proportions and exceptional craftsmanship that define RAMSA’s residential architecture. Preliminary sketches, floor plans, architectural renderings, and design models further illustrate the firm’s rigorous and highly detailed working methods.
More than a collection of luxury residential architecture, 《Urban Elegance》is an in-depth exploration of contemporary urban living, architectural heritage, and craftsmanship. Through RAMSA’s work, the book considers how classical architecture can continue to evolve today, creating residential environments around the world that combine a sense of history, modern relevance, and exceptional quality of life.
【DETAILS】
Authors: Michael D. Jones (Contributor), K. S. Gemma Kim (Contributor), Daniel Lobitz (Contributor)
Publisher: Monacelli Press
Publication Year: 2026
Dimensions: 32 × 26 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 312
