The Snow Show

Artists and architects from around the globe came together to create the breathtaking Snow Show in Finland, an exhibit that pushes the limits of creativity and form-and that will serve as the centerpiece for the Winter Olympics in Turin in '06. Using only snow and ice, the participants created 17 structures that bridge the gap between architecture and art. The variety of works is impressive, ranging from a sprawling series of winding tunnels and slides to a freestanding cube of harvested ice. Many of the structures invite participation, allowing visitors to climb inside, explore and play. This dynamic relationship between the work and the viewers makes the Snow Show more than simply an art exhibit, but unfortunately, it is also one of the reasons why this inspiring project does not translate well into book form. The photographs are impressive, and the notes and sketches that the designers offer at the end are fascinating. But the awe-inspiring grandness of the works cannot be adequately captured on the page (and certainly not in a book of this small format). Nevertheless, the volume will be of interest to art and architecture enthusiasts, and will inspire more than a few readers to witness the beauty of these structures firsthand. 233 illustrations, 111 in color.