Rewriting Architecture explores and embraces the potential of place. The book claims that the idea of ‘tabula rasa’, or creating from scratch, is no longer a viable option. It considers the quality of the existing urban and social fabric—the tabula scripta—as an inspiration, motivation and starting point of design. How can this context be read, understood, valued and further developed?
Rewriting Architecture is activating and enriching the architectural discourse and wider public debate with a series of verbs, or actions, that show how we can respond better to what is already there: Eliminate; Continue; Obscure; Reconfigure; Repurpose; Densify; Copy; Overlay; Reimagine; Restart and Abstain. Those 10+1 Actions are illustrated by compelling examples from a broad range of places and design practices all over the world, from Asia to Africa, to Europe and the US. The editors relate these challenges to a wide array of makers and thinkers through stimulating contributions by architects and other specialists working in the arts, biology, fashion, ecology, pop culture, nanotechnology and philosophy.
Rewriting Architecture proposes new narratives to describe and discuss design practices that work with what exists, with the people who are already there and with respect for the natural resources that are left.
