Taking Shape: A New Contract Between Architecture and Nature [Paperback]

Susannah Hagan BA (hons) MA Arch AA Dip (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0750649488 | ISBN-13: 978-0750649483 | Publication Date: April 17, 2001

'Taking Shape' explores the evolution of scientific and academic theories that have resulted in the concept of sustainability. Susannah Hagan uses this as a basis to argue for developments in the future and argues that these theories are not 'just an intellectual and aesthetic regression' as they are often perceived to be. By focusing on the impact of the new theories of sustainable technology and new materials in architecture, Hagan moves the discourse and practice of environmental sustainability within architecture towards a greater degree of awareness of both its cultural significance and cultural potential. In short, it demonstrates the capacity of sustainable architecture to embrace cultural and technical innovation.



Enables you to understand the evolution of the theoretical arguments behind sustainability
Allows you to project into the future of sustainability technology rather than just examining the current situation
Provides you with a valuable insight into the relationship between the physical and cultural context and architecture

Editorial Reviews

Review

'In recent times, the architecture/nature discussion has encouraged a dual response: architects have built in the image of nature - a token environmentalism - while environmentalists have focused too narrowly on the technologies of ecology and sustainability, invariably without paying sufficient attention to spatial and visual issues. In this book, Hagan argues for a new relationship between architecture and nature: a contract that renegotiates the tension between environmental processes and their formal consequences. 'Taking Shape' makes a major and provocative contribution to the debates concerning the ethics and aesthetics of environmentalism within architecture and urban design.'
Mohsen Mostafavi, Chairman, The Architectural Association

'For those concerned with the future of the environment - built and unbuilt - this book is, in my view, indispensable.'
Paul Florian, Florian Architects

'It is a pleasure to read her contents list - I can't think of anything I would want to add - she writes very well, clear, crisp, punchy, it is very lucid.'
Ken Richardson

'Will find a useful place on students' and academics' shelves'
Architectural Review

'This is a splendid work!' -Choice

'the relationship between modernity, style and the social content of architecture is pursued in depth'
Crafts magazine

'What a brilliant piece of work to objectively bring not only the history of environmental design to the forefront but also its' relationship to contemporary post- modern architectural concepts. '
Uwe Rothe, Architect

From the Publisher

In recent times, the architecture/nature discussion has encouraged a dual response: architects have built in the image of nature - a token environmentalism - while environmentalists have focused too narrowly on the technologies of ecology and sustainability, invariably without paying sufficient attention to spatial and visual issues. In this book, Hagan argues for a new relationship between architecture and nature: a contract that renegotiates the tension between environmental processes and their formal consequences. 'Taking Shape' makes a major and provocative contribution to the debates concerning the ethics and aesthetics of environmentalism within architecture and urban design. - Mohsen Mostafavi, Chairman, The Architectural Association

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Architectural Press (April 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750649488
• ISBN-13: 978-0750649483
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,859,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.