NOX: Machining Architecture [Paperback]

Lars Spuybroek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2004

Rotterdam-based NOX, run by Lars Spuybroek, is the most important digital architecture studio in Europe. This major publication serves as a manifesto of the next techniques in digital design; a manual of instruction, showing how complex spaces can actually be built; and a monograph of NOX's complete output. An introduction by Spuybroek explains the background to his thinking and his general approach to architecture. The book is divided into three essential elements: documentation of NOX's oeuvre, including built and unbuilt work, some twenty-three projects in total; essays by leading lights in design and cultural criticism who are carrying out research in the area of architecture and the computer - Manuel Delanda, Brian Massumi, Detlef Mertins, Andrew Benjamin and Arjen Mulder; and explanatory texts by Spuybroek that link the projects together and give clear, step-by-step descriptions of his design methodologies. Many of the illustrations in the book have been specially created, making accessible for the first time the complex strategies and techniques employed by Spuybroek. This in turn will make the publication an invaluable resource for students and practising designers looking

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Perhaps humans are not meant to operate in the "dry grid" of cubic spaces. A leading Dutch theorist and architect, Lars Spuybroek (principal of NOX) pushes form and substance in astoundingly improbable, winding, curving, globular directions. Jazzed by neurology and philosophy, and influenced by ever-more intricate computer modeling, Spuybroek asks whether building movement ought to more comfortably reflect body movement. "A curve is an intelligent, better-informed straight line," he writes. In Spuybroek's realm the operative idea is no longer that form follows function; it's a unified system where typology precedes topology. His projects thus lead to "soft" offices and sinuous biomorphs. Best known on these shores for envisioning a complex of twisting, porous towers on the World Trade Center site, Spuybroek is commanding increasing attention. This huge compendium of his work and ideas is sometimes dense, but in a challenging, eye-opening way as it navigates the implications of the intellectual dichotomies and design complexities in NOX's^B vision and projects. Visually dazzling, this book will appeal to architects, design and architecture students, artists, and futuristic dreamers. Steve Paul
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Lars Spuybroek established his studio in Rotterdam in the early 1990s. He has taught and lectured at numerous universities around the world, including Columbia University and the University of Kassel in Germany, where he is currently head of digital design.

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (December 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500285195
• ISBN-13: 978-0500285190
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,231,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Controversial but very good, May 17, 2007

By 

W. T. H. Ven (Tilburg, Netherlands) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: NOX: Machining Architecture (Paperback)

The work of Lars Spuybroek has been and still is found to be very controversial within the architectural discourse. Especially the buidlings he designs seem to evoke a lot of discussion and are often tagged as 'silly, formless chunks of mass'.
Please don't let yourself be distracted by the somewhat awkward designs, but learn a lot from his methods! They are very interessting and can help you in your morhphogenetic process.

5.0 out of 5 stars A very inspiring book, March 3, 2008

By 

Siavash Sassani "SDesign 92101" (San DIgeo, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: NOX: Machining Architecture (Paperback)

Not much of a writer, but i've been using this book for awhile now, and it has been source of inspiration for few of my school projects. These guys are truly innovative.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good for students, February 26, 2006

By 

Dolev Mines (Herzliya, Israel) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: NOX: Machining Architecture (Paperback)

this is the best book i have ever saw. i'm a student for architecture and it helped me with my studies. i showed the book to my college prophesors and they agree with me, that is a fantastic book that all should see it and learn from it. their are wonerfull ideas in it.