Architectural Positions

topics

Publishers

Architecture

ISBN: 9789085065661
English edition
SUN architecture
Softcover, 400 pages
17 x 24 cm
illustrated
2009
€37,26 (excl. VAT)

Architectural Positions

On Architecture, Modernity and the Public Sphere

Tom Avermaete, Klaske Havik, Hans Teerds Ed(s)

The changing public sphere is one of the crucial themes of contemporary architectural debate. In today’s world, where can we find collective spaces in which people can meet and form public opinion?

Contemporary thinkers such as Lieven De Cauter, Michael Sorkin, and Bruce Robbins argue that urban diversity is now giving way to growing worldwide uniformity. Public life is gradually moving from the squares and the streets to hotel lobbies, shopping malls, and entertainment centres.

As the 21st century begins, architects still face the task of designing public buildings and spaces – whether libraries, squares, or airports. They are in search of forms they can use to connect the many different gradations of the public sphere that exist today.

Architectural Positions presents the views of 36 international architects who, over the past 50 years, have made their voices heard in the debate on the public sphere. They include Aldo Rossi, Rem Koolhaas, Mathias Ungers, Daniel Libeskind, Luis Barragán, and Peter Eisenman. The essays in this book give an overview of the past 50 years of architectural discourse on this theme. A detailed introduction provides background and context, focusing on the links between architecture, modernity and the public sphere.