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About the book

The Most Beautiful takes its title from the writings of Robert Grosseteste, the 13th century physicist and theologian, who said; “Physical light is the most beautiful of all the bodies that exist”. Entering a luminarium, visitors experience an encounter with this most fundamental of phenomena, light!

The Most Beautiful tells the story of Architects of Air’s ‘luminaria’, the monumental ephemeral sculptures that have wowed millions of visitors around the world. Full-colour photographs capture the wonder that the luminaria inspire, and a comprehensive technical section guides the reader through the creation of these unique works.

Alan Parkinson began exploring inflatable structures in the early 1980’s, and founded Architects of Air in 1992. Since then the company has built 21 luminaria and over 3 million visitors in 40+ countries around the globe have immersed themselves in the light-filled world of Architects of Air.

The book relates Architect of Air’s first 20 years, from local community beginnings to its worldwide presence today. There are detailed explanations of each luminarium, covering design, plans, and inspiration, alongside quotes and many photographs taken by both visitors and professionals.

With its large full-colour photos the first half of The Most Beautiful is designed to please fans of the luminaria. The second half of the book with its design chronology aims to inspire others to create their own pneumatic architecture.

Read the press review in Archinect News: ‘Between a womb and a cathedral”: Architects of Air’s “The Most Beautiful”