Independent Book Publishers Association Gold Medal Winner 2019
Without question, we live in tumultuous times. Increasingly, we are conditioned to focus on the extreme weather events that have become the new normal, and are inclined to overlook the great human challenges of our time, such as income inequality, the unravelling of the social fabric, and political isolationism. At a time when consensus-building and cooperation are most critical to our future resilience, we find them in increasingly short supply.
While these broader issues may seem overwhelming and beyond our control, the reality is that architects and planners work on the front lines of these very challenges. By shaping the physical context for all aspects of contemporary life, we in fact have greater impact than we might imagine on the social constructs that result.
‘The Architecture of Engagement’ provides a wide range of insights into this emerging model of architectural practice. The concepts presented are both comprehensive and inspirational, while the case studies demonstrate that high levels of environmental performance and substantial social benefits are not mutually exclusive.
‘The Architecture of Engagement’ is a call to action; challenging us to bring this kind of holistic design from the margins to the mainstream of architectural practice.
From the foreword by Darryl Condon
The following sample spreads are available:
Read Essay: What Price Prosperity
Read Profile: Manitoba Hydro Place
Independent Book Publishers Silver Medal Winner 2012
Canadians live on the edge of the largest forests on earth. A precious part of our natural and cultural heritage, these forests also represent one of the greatest carbon sinks on the planet. Each tree is a beautiful part of the answer to climate change, and yet we are only beginning to ask of its potential.
Each time we choose to build in wood we are part of a critically important chain of responsibility that will see the elegance of the living tree through to a new life in a building. This book provides a wonderful context within which to examine the future potential of wood as a building material. As the 21st Century unfolds, ‘Toward a Culture of Wood Architecture’ argues that by revitalizing our wood building tradition we can create new synergies between the natural and built worlds, distribute both social and economic benefits, and contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
From the foreword by Michael Green