Introducing Architectural Tectonics: Exploring the Intersection of Design and Construction

by Chad Schwartz

Overview

The second edition of Introducing Architectural Tectonics is an exploration of the poetics of construction. Tectonic theory is an integrative philosophy examining the relationships formed between design, construction, and space while creating or experiencing a work of architecture. In this text, author Chad Schwartz presents an introductory investigation into tectonic theory, subdividing it into distinct concepts in order to make it accessible to beginning and advanced students alike.

The book centers on the tectonic analysis of twenty contemporary works of architecture, located in over a dozen countries across the globe – Germany, Italy, Burkina Faso, the United States, Chile, Japan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Spain, Australia, and more – and designed by notable architects such as Tadao Ando, Herzog & de Meuron, Kengo Kuma, Peter Zumthor, Xu Tiantian, and Francis Kéré. Although similarities do exist between the projects, their distinctly different characteristics and range of interpretations of tectonic expression provide the most significant lessons to help you learn about tectonic theory.

This second edition has been updated to include the tectonic analysis of four new architectural precedents:

• From Nigeria, the Makoko Floating School by NLÉ
• From Burkina Faso, Lycée Schorge by Kéré Architecture
• From Mexico, the Matamoros Public Market by Colectivo C733
• From China, Quarry #8 by DnA_Design and Architecture

Written in clear, accessible language, these investigations examine the poetic potential of architecture, presenting lessons and concepts that you can integrate into your own work, whether studying in a university classroom or practicing in a professional office.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781317564041
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/04/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	422
File size:	65 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Chad Schwartz is an architect and educator currently serving as a Professor in the School of Architecture at Kansas State University in the US. He teaches both design and building technology, continually seeking to merge these two bodies of knowledge. His current research explores the role of architectural tectonics in the development of both contemporary and historic architecture.

Table of Contents

Investigating the Tectonic | Unpacking the Guiding Principles  1. Makoko Floating School | NLÉ | Lagos, Nigeria, Co-Authored with Victor Boyda  2. Loblolly House | KieranTimberlake | Taylor Island, Maryland, United States  3. Swiss Sound Box | Peter Zumthor | Hannover, Germany  4. Thorncrown Chapel | E. Fay Jones | Eureka Springs, Arkansas, United States  5. Peninsula House | Sean Godsell Architects | Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia  6. Prayer Pavilion of Light | DeBartolo Architects | Phoenix, Arizona, United States  7. GC Prostho Museum Research Center | Kengo Kuma & Associates | Kasugai, Aichi, Japan, Co-Authored with Aaron Neal  8. Parrish Art Museum | Herzog & de Meuron | Water Mill, New York, United States  9. Matamoros Public Market | Colectivo C733 | Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico  10. Chapel of Reconciliation | reitermann/sassenroth architekton | Berlin, Germany  11. Porciúncula La Milagrosa Chapel | Taller de Arquitectura de Bogotá | La Calera, Cundinamarca, Colombia  12. Lycée Schorge | Kéré Architecture | Koudougou, Burkina Faso  13. METI Handmade School | Anna Heringer + Eike Roswag | Rudrapur, Bangladesh  14. Chapel del Retiro | Undurraga Devés Arquitectos | Auco, Chile  15. Lanxi Curtilage Building | Archi-Union Architects | Chengdu, China  16. Punta della Dogana | Tadao Ando Architect & Associates | Venice, Italy  17. National Museum of Roman Art | Rafael Moneo | Mérida, Spain  18. Bruder Klaus Field Chapel | Peter Zumthor | Wachendorf, Eifel, Germany  19. Casa Tóló | Álvaro Leite Siza | Alvite, Vila Real District, Portugal  20. Quarry #8 | DnA_Design and Architecture | Xiandu, Jinyun County, Zhejiang Province, China

Editorial Reviews

"Schwartz's clear content outlines logic that designers can use for creating structures and choosing materials for their integrated designs. This logic makes these case studies relevant learning tools, particularly for younger design students."—Charlton N. Lewis, University of Texas at Austin, USA

"This book fills the void between treating the concept of detailing and tectonics in a theoretical way, and focusing on construction practicalities. I particularly like the grouping of architectural building types, and the projects are very appealing. The quality of the graphics is excellent and there are drawings at a variety of scales, explaining the details well and situating them within the overall building and site context."—Greg Johnson, University of British Columbia, Canada

"This book provides a much-needed introduction to the themes of place and tectonics in architecture. The theoretical material forms the basis for in-class discussions, and the case study projects exemplify analytic methods that students can apply to additional cases as well as their own design projects."—Michael McGlynn, Kansas State University, USA

"Schwartz appraises buildings critically with complete descriptions, useful photographs and drawings, balanced opinions, and no jargon. The book is both concise and a clearly written text on architectural theory, which is rare. This will help architecture students and designers move on from the superficiality of current fashion."—Angus Macdonald, University of Edinburgh, UK

From the Publisher