Surviving the Suburb

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Architecture

ISBN: 9789059730908
Dutch/German edition
Jap Sam Books
Softcover, 128 pages
16,6 x 23,5 cm
colour/black & white
January 2008
€11,32 (excl. VAT)

Surviving the Suburb

Gregor Harbusch, Martin Luce, Ton Matton, Wim Timmermans Ed(s)

With contemporary, semi-self-sufficient designs Ton Matton and Wim Timmermans take open action against ecological absurdities of worn present day housing estates. In cooperation with various guests and partners on distinct levels, they develop projects that vary from pragmatic urbanism to utopian furniture design, from a climate machine to social interaction in the suburbs. Mental models and wild tinkering follow small utopias and everyday obstacles and, just because they are aware of the contradictions that cannot be avoided, they keep turning out.  

Ton Matton describes his practice as situated 'somewhere between object-design, society-shape, ecological city planning and artist-activism' exploring 'the small Utopias and interruptions of daily life' and 'connections between traditional countryside living and contemporary mega-city lifestyle. Surviving the Suburb presents an overview of the projects that have been realized with (alleged) kindred souls. In varying working relations and unorthodox ways, they confront the suburban space with ecological and social challenges.

Please note: This book is only available in Dutch/German.