Description
Book SynopsisInterweaving architecture, philosophy and cultural history,
Materials and Meaning in Architecture develops a rich and multi-dimensional exploration of materials and materiality, in an age when architectural practice seems otherwise preoccupied with image and visual representation. Arguing that architecture is primarily experienced by the whole body, rather than chiefly with the eyes, this broad-ranging study shows how the most engaging built works are as tactile as they are sensuous, communicating directly with the bodily senses, especially touch. It explores the theme of material imagination' and the power of establishing place identity' in an architect's work, to consider the enduring expressive possibilities of material use in architecture.The book's chapters can be dipped into, each individual chapter providing close readings of built works by selected modern masters (Scarpa, Zumthor, Williams and Tsien), insights into key texts and theories (Ruskin, Loos, Bachelard), or sh
Trade ReviewWe have always felt that interpretation of architecture is best left to others and perhaps best done posthumously! Nathaniel Coleman’s writing is both deeply thoughtful but more importantly to us – deeply sensitive. As it describes our intentions for the Folk Art Museum it makes us better understand ourselves and the work itself. His writing has opened us up and has made us change our minds – and perhaps that is the most powerful act a writer can achieve. * Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Architects, USA *
An outstanding work that I would recommend to my students, colleagues, and practicing architects.
Materials and Meaning in Architecture reminds readers of the extensive scope of the discipline and its intimate relation with everyday life. * Ufuk Ersoy, Clemson University, USA *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Material as Reality Preserve: History, Theory, Design
PART I: Material Theories and Practices 2. John Ruskin (1819-1900): Stones of Architecture 3. Loos (1870-1933): Not the Material but What is Done With It 4. Time Silted Up: Scarpa at the Castelvecchio Museum (1958-64) and Brion Cemetery (1969-1977) 5. Pool and Cave: Zumthor’s Thermal Baths at Vals (1996) 6. Terminal Jewel: Williams & Tsien’s Folk Art Museum (2001) 7. Tectonic Shifts: Miralles’ Arts & Crafts Ecstasy at the Scottish Parliament (2004)
PART II: Narrating Materials and Meaning 8. Words of Desire: Envisaging Architecture 9. Human Touch: The Enduring Warmth of Wood 10. Fire and Wind: The Appeal of Baking Bricks 11. Wild at Heart: Concrete as Liquid Stone 12. Imaging Rationality: The Resolute Modernity of Steel 13. Transparency: A Darker Shade of Glass
PART III: Place and Discipline 14. Form is Content: Against Interpretation 15. Paradoxes of Place and Discipline: Tradition as the Ground of Radical Invention Bibliography Index
