Companion to Contemporary Architectural Thought

Architecture has attracted increasing worldwide attention in recent years, not only because of its cultural significance but also because of concern over the performance and resource implications of buildings. The Companion to Contemporary Architectural Thought brings the subject into focus and offers a general appreciation of architectural thinking at the close of the twentieth century. Incisively written and carefully illustrated, the Companion examines the nature of architecture from a variety of perspectives, exploring what architecture is, what it does, and what it means. It also demonstrates the significance of architecture as an art form that serves as a cultural record. The subject is examined through a series of individual essays contributed by over a hundred leading international practitioners, scholars and educationists, including architects, landscape architects, urban designers, environmental planners, civil engineers, architectural historians, art historians, artists, archaeologists, anthropologists, environmental psychologists, philosophers and mathematicians. Thematically arranged and divided into six parts, the articles in the Companion provide in-depth information on individual topics. The parts are further divided into discrete sections, so that the book can be read either sequentially or selectively. Part 1 provides a general introduction to the subject. Part 2 explores architecture's various responses to the environment, concentrating on responses to people, to places and to routes. Part 3 examines the influences on architecture of society, function, architectural precedent, and technology. Part 4 looks at the elements and attributes of architecture, such as architectural form and space. Part 5 analyses various approaches to architecture, and considers architectural appreciation. Part 6 offers practical exemplification in the form of detailed case studies of three contrasting places: Museu de Minas de S. Domingos, Portugal; The City of Durham, UK; and Portland, Oregon, USA. The Companion provides a timely response to a need for a synoptic, collaborative work that co-ordinates and consolidates expertise in the field. An indispensable reference tool for students of architecture, the Companion offers essential information for study and research, including reading lists at the beginning of each section, bibliographies following articles, and an exhaustive index. Its wide-ranging coverage and balanced approach make it accessible for readers specializing in related disciplines, and those who simply want to increase their understanding of this topical field. Contributors include: Hugh Casson, UK, James S. Ackerman, USA, Hans van der Laan, Netherlands, Michael Manser, UK, Sadine Chardonnet, France, Suzanne Crowh