Architecture Reborn

Architecture Reborn is a detailed investigation into the adaptation and conversion of existing buildings as a distinctive type of architectural design. In color photographs and plans, here are 44 international schemes that demonstrate that reuse is a positive - even imperative - way to achieve a forward-looking architecture. Renzo Piano has transformed the legendary Fiat factory into a cultural and commercial complex; a former public school in Long Island City, NY has become P.S.1 Institute for Contemporary Art; and a 1930s factory in Detroit is now the HOPE Center for Advanced Technologies. Rather than preservation, or deference to old buildings, the message here is transformation: a physical rather than historicist approach to constructing new form from old fabric. For architects, students, and all proponents of creative reuse, this is an essential collection of case histories and an important reference in keeping up to date with this fast-moving and often controversial area of design.

This book presents six case-study buildings, each more than a generation old, that were on the brink of oblivion. In each case, Mitchell Giurgola Architects worked closely with the client to determine how the project could be salvaged by incorporating updated program elements to serve a new generation of users. All six case studies present in detail how each project is analysed, from its energy use and curtain-wall performance to its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and structural stability. The results are born-again buildings created for a fraction of the cost and cosuming far fewer materials than a new facility built from scratch. Mitchell Giurgola documents a new, more sustainable approach to design and construction that builds on the past, and makes the old better than new.

Today, architecture in China is at a watershed. Over the last decade, rapid urbanisation and the burgeoning economy turned the country into a playground for the world’s signature architects, making it possible to realise extravagant forms and structures at a vast scale. The Chinese government has now drawn a line under this phenomenon by issuing a directive calling an end to the ‘oversized, xenocentric, weird’ buildings devoid of character or cultural heritage that have sprung up across the country, requiring that urban architecture be 'suitable, economic, green and pleasing to the eye'. This government directive comes at a time when homegrown architecture has become increasingly self-assured and reflective in its approach. A new generation of architects in China in their 30s and 40s are emerging, and in a wholly contemporary way they are exploring local responses to often bewildering urban and rural conditions and serious social and environmental challenges. This is often expressed through a revival of interest in traditional street patterns, courtyards and gardens. At the same time, architects are also recognising the opportunities to harness the potential of China’s established manufacturing base to develop prefabricated building systems. Innovative practices are employing new modes of working, such as research-based studio teaching and exhibitions, field workshops, cross-disciplinary collaboration, laboratory-based practice, design think-tanks and collective projects, generating a vibrant culture of design research. Contributors: Lu Feng, Murray Fraser, Xiao Fu and Wei You, Xiahong Hua and Shen Zhuang, Xinggang Li, Yichun Liu, James Shen, Yehao Song, Hui Wang, Shuo Wang, Xin Wang and Qiuye Jin, Philip F Yuan and Xiang Wang, Li Zhang, Xin Zhang and Jingxiang Zhu. Featured architects: Archi-Union Architects, Atelier Archmixing, Atelier Deshaus, Atelier Li Xinggang, Integrated Architecture Studio, LanD Studio, META-Project, People's Architecture Office, SUP Atelier, URBANUS and Zaoyuan Gardening Studio

Discover the most incredible man-made wonders, from Stonehenge to Burj Khalifa, with this unparalleled catalog of the most famous and intriguing buildings and monuments created by humans. Man-Made Wonders of the World features a range of structures from buildings to monuments, statues, and bridges, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Hoover Dam. It opens with a foreword by Dan Cruickshank and then takes the reader on a continent-by-continent journey, exploring and charting the innovations, ingenuity, and imagination employed by different cultures to create iconic buildings such as the Great Pyramid of Giza. This truly global approach reveals how humans tackled similar challenges, such as keeping the enemy out, in vastly different parts of the world, from the Great Wall of China to the defensive walls of Central American cities. Illustrations explain how the structures were built, while explanations cover the history, architecture, and unique stories behind their construction. Featuring breathtaking images, Man-Made Wonders of the World is a complete celebration of the world humans have built over thousands of years.

Architectural heritage is now recognised to be of great importance to the historical identity of a region, town or nation. In order to take care of that heritage, we need to look beyond borders and share experiences and knowledge regarding heritage preservation. This book contains papers covering the latest advances in this field, presented at the twelfth and latest in a series of now-biennial conferences that began in 1989.The series is recognised as the most important conference on the topic. It covers such topics as Heritage architecture and historical aspects, Regional architecture, Preservation of archaeological sites, Maritime heritage, Heritage masonry buildings, Adobe restorations, Wooden structures, Structural issues and restoration, Seismic vulnerability and vibrations, Assessment, retrofitting and reuse of heritage buildings, Surveying and monitoring, Material characterisation and problems, Simulation and modelling, New techniques and materials, Non-destructive techniques, Experimental validation and verification, Performance and maintenance, Environmental damage. Social and economic aspects, and Guidelines, codes and regulations.

Basics Interior Architecture: Context and Environment examines the ways in which elements based both inside and outside of the host building can influence and affect the interior space. The book proposes a method of interpretation, evaluation and utilisation of physical factors, such as light and orientation, the contextual issues of the urban form and the subject of sustainability, and their influences on the design of the interior and the remodelling of existing buildings. Detailed studies of contemporary work are used to support theory, making this book an invaluable reference tool to all students of interior architecture and design.

Looks at a decade of the firm's work.

The lack of space in big cities and the desire to preserve old architecturef great value help to explain the continuing desire to retrieve spaces ofhe past as locations for new dwellings. The adaptation of the conditions ofhe old building to present-day living needs demands delicate technical andocumentary work by the architect. This volume explores a variety of ideasor reconditioning historical spaces for domestic use, complete with plansnd pictures of the original state, the development of the project and theinal result, in which a suggestive, fertile dialogue is struck between pastnd present.