Rewriting Architecture explores the potential of place, and considers the creativity of inhabitants and users, the power of the social and urban fabric to respond to needs and urgent topics. It poses questions that deal with the 'tabula scripta' condition, the actual multi-layered facets of our time: How can the existing context be reinterpreted, understood, appreciated and further developed? What does architecture mean in times of scarcity? How can architecture anticipate new developments based on the existing situation, from the ageing population and social segregation to climate change? It also challenges the role of the contemporary architect in a field of players and powers, who is faced by urgent existing issues such as a starting point in design research. The 11 Actions show compelling examples from various places and design practices worldwide (from Asia to Africa, to Europe and the US). The editors relate these challenges to a wide array of makers and thinkers: architects, other design professionals and specialists working in art, biology, fashion, ecology, pop culture and philosophy. 10 + 1 Actions refer to the book chapters and actions: Reimagine; Eliminate; Obscure; Overlay; Restart; Copy; Continue; Reconfigure; Repurpose; Densify.
2020, Valiz with Amsterdam University of the Arts, School of Architecture, Tabula Scripta research group | Paperback | c 440 pp. | 24 x 17 cm (hxw) | English | ISBN 9787-94-92095-70-1
Floris Alkemade, Michiel van Iersel, Jarrik Ouburg, Mark Minkjan (2020)