by Robert Cody (Author), Angela Amoia (Author)
In
the contemporary practice of architecture, digital design and
fabrication are emergent technologies in transforming how architects
present a design and form a material strategy that is responsible,
equitable, sustainable, resilient, and forward-looking. This book
exposes dialogue between history, theory, design, construction,
technology, and sensory experience by means of digital simulations that
enhance the assessment and values of our material choices. It offers a
critical look to the past to inspire the future.
This
new edition looks to Alvar Aalto as the primary protagonist for
channeling discussions related to these topics. Architects like ALA,
Shigeru Ban, 3XN, Peter Zumthor, and others also play the role of
contemporary guides in this review. The work of Aalto and selected
contemporary architects, along with computer modeling software, showcase
the importance of comprehensive design. Organized by the five Ts of
contemporary architectural discourse―Typology, Topology, Tectonics,
Technic, Thermodynamics―each chapter is used to connect history through
Aalto and develop conversations concerning historical and contemporary
models, digital simulations, ecological and passive/active material
concerns, construction and fabrications, and healthy sensorial
environments.
Written for students and academics,
this book bridges knowledge from academia into practice and vice versa
to help architects become better stewards of the environment, make
healthier and more accountable buildings, and find ways to introduce
policy to make technology a critical component in thinking about and
making architecture.
