Context: Architecture and the Genius of Place

Context: Architecture and the Genius of Place
ISBN-10
111894674X
ISBN-13
9781118946749
Series
Context
Category
Architecture
Pages
192
Language
English
Published
2015-05-08
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons
Author
Eric Parry

Description

Demonstrates how a building's setting should inform and inspirerather than constrain architectural design Context-Architecture and the Genius of Place is a highlyengaging, informative discussion of context in architectural theoryand practice. Eric Parry, one of the UK's most highly regardedarchitects — whose work has been widely lauded for itsinnovative response to its setting — addresses thecontemporary definition of context and its importance forsustainable everyday living and urban design. Looking beyond theformal agenda to explore the fundamentals that give new social andcultural perspective to this vital point of departure fordesigners, this book turns the urban statistician's telescopicfocus on global trends inside out for a better understanding of thecultural and physical conditions that make archetypes like theParisian Café, the London High Street, the Baltic City Square,and the Mumbai Market part of the architect's lexicon. Frompavement to landscape, readers will examine how context must betaken into account at every stage in the design process. This book draws on the author's extensive experience withincomplex urban settings to show how the existing fabric and socialconditions can provide an essential starting point for new design,offering a framework for thinking about design responses and theirrelationship to cultural origins of place. Discover the importance of orientation Develop a sequential understanding of urban space Hear the dialogue between parts within a whole Differentiate the uses of formal and informal Whereas existing urban settings, particularly historic citycenters, are generally regarded as limiting to architecturalcreativity, this book presents context as grounds for inspirationrather than constraint. When used correctly, these techniquescreate the feeling that a new building has always been there,simply because it "fits". Context explains the methodsbehind brilliant architecture, helping designers create buildingsthat not only belong, but can provide a catalyst to urban life.

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