Architecture and Action
Cambridge
Is the way buildings are designed significant?
Does it affect you, your well-being and the world at large?
Some say that if a building becomes “architecture” then it effectively morphs into becoming a piece of art. Over the time, the function of the desicipline has changed along with the advancement of technology and the challenges we see ourselves confronted with. For me, architecture has always been inextricably linked to design, i.e. the notion that form follows function.
However, so much more has entered the equation, i.e. shortage of housing, carbon emissions and footprints, social injustice, the effects results from migration, et cetera.
The book explores the history of art building design, its significance and positioning as well how its education has changed over the years. It is fascinating how now these days one is required to not only conducted extensive research but work on such topics like resource management, cause and effects of the movements of refugees, usage of materials and the ever-present challenge of climate change.
Building design is no longer passive and relegated to the drawing board – the profession has evolved and demands a holistic, pro-active approach, the manifestation of which includes technological, historical and scientific components and the effects of which ripple through all facets of our lives.
The tome is much less dry than its cover suggests and exemplifies through the presentation of past and current projects, elaborations and essays from a wide range of luminaries from realms as diverse as history, art, technology and science the value, need for action and responsibility of the discipline.
I specifically found the way how MIT’s Department of Architecture has changed its approach to the structure of its faculty and shift of focus fascinating as well as how idealism and even utopianism plays a role that should not be underestimated.
