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architect, verb.

The New Language of Building
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( 111 ratings, 18 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In architect, verb by Reinier De Graaf, the narrative explores the multifaceted role of architects not just as designers of structures but as dynamic influences on society and culture. Through personal reflections and industry insights, De Graaf delves into the challenges architects face in balancing artistic vision with practical constraints and broader societal implications. This thought-provoking book offers a compelling look at how architecture intersects with the human experience.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the evolving role of architects and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. It offers insightful reflections on the influence of architecture in society, blending personal anecdotes with a broader historical perspective. If you're interested in the intersection of arts, culture, and urban design, this book could be a captivating read for you.

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The Hidden Rules of Architecture: how to build world-class, award winning, creative, innovative, sustainable, liveable and beautiful spaces that foster a sense of place and well being

The Hidden Rules of Architecture: how to build world-class, award winning, creative, innovative, sustainable, liveable and beautiful spaces that foster a sense of place and well being

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Leading architect Reinier De Graaf punctures the myths behind the debates on what contemporary architecture is, with wit and devastating honesty. Architecture, it seems, has become too important to leave to architects. No longer does it suffice to judge a building solely by its appearance; it must be measured and certified. When architects talk about 'Excellence', 'Sustainability', 'Well-being', 'Liveability', 'Placemaking', 'Creativity', 'Beauty' and 'Innovation', what do they actually mean?

In Architect, Verb, De Graaf dryly skewers the doublespeak and hot air of an industry in search of an identity in the 21st century. Who determines how to measure a 'green building'? Why is Vancouver more 'liveable' than Vienna? How do developers get away with advertising their buildings as promoting 'well-being'? Why did Silicon Valley become so obsessed with devising 'creative' spaces or developing code that replaces architects? How much revenue can be attributed to the design of public space? Who gets to decide what these measurements should be, and what do they actually mean? And what does it mean for the future of our homes, cities, and planet?

He also includes a biting, satirical dictionary of 'profspeak': the corporate language of consultants, developers and planners from 'Active listening' to 'Zoom Readiness'.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

In architect, verb., Reinier De Graaf delivers a sharp and insightful critique of contemporary architecture. Through a collection of essays and diary entries, he skilfully combines history, personal anecdotes, and current observations to challenge prevailing architectural norms and critique the industry's commercialisation and creative constraints. With wit and intelligence, De Graaf exposes the complexities and ironies of modern urban living and the broader implications of architectural practices in today's world.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781839761911

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 February 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 353g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Reinier de Graaf (1964, Schiedam) is a Dutch architect and writer. He is a partner in the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), where he leads projects in Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Reinier is the co-founder of OMA's think-tank AMO and Sir Arthur Marshall Visiting Professor of Urban Design at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of Four Walls and a Roof: The Complex Nature of a Simple Profession and the novel The Masterplan. He lives in Amsterdam.

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  • architect, verb.
    Leading architect Reinier de Graaf punctures the myths behind the debates on what contemporary architecture is, with wit and devastating honesty. Architecture, it seems, has become too important to leave to architects. No longer does it suffice to judge a building solely by its appearance; it must be measured and certified. When architects talk about Excellence, Sustainability, Well-being, Liveability, Placemaking,...
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  • Architecture Against Architecture
    Architecture, as we know it, is in crisis. The authority of architects is crumbling, and their methods are no longer tenable. In a highly critical introspection, architect and writer Reinier de Graaf explores the tough choices ahead and the course of action that must follow. Architecture Against Architecture demands we rethink both how and why we build. With wit and...
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