Alvar Aalto and the Future of Architecture

Digital design and fabrication are emerging technologies in architecture that are transforming how architects present a design and form a material strategy. This book explores dialogue between history, theory, design, construction, technology, and sensory experience through digital simulations to enhance the assessment and values of material choices. It offers a critical look to the past to inspire the future, with Alvar Aalto as the primary protagonist and contemporary architects as guides. The book is organized by the five Ts of contemporary architectural discourse and bridges knowledge from academia into practice to help architects become better stewards of the environment, make healthier and more accountable buildings, and introduce policy to make technology a critical component in thinking about and making architecture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the realm of contemporary architecture, digital design and fabrication emerge as transformative technologies, revolutionizing the way architects present designs and formulate material strategies that are responsible, equitable, sustainable, resilient, and forward-looking. This comprehensive book delves into a rich dialogue between history, theory, design, construction, technology, and sensory experience, facilitated by digital simulations that enhance the assessment and appreciation of our material choices. By exploring the past, it offers valuable insights to inspire the future.

As the central figure, Alvar Aalto takes center stage in this edition, guiding discussions related to these critical topics. Architects such as ALA, Shigeru Ban, 3XN, Peter Zumthor, and others also serve as contemporary guides, contributing their expertise to the review. The work of Aalto and selected contemporary architects, coupled with computer modeling software, showcases the significance of comprehensive design.

Organized by the five Ts of contemporary architectural discourse—Typology, Topology, Tectonics, Technic, and Thermodynamics—each chapter serves as a bridge to connect history through Aalto and foster conversations concerning historical and contemporary models, digital simulations, ecological and passive/active material concerns, construction and fabrications, and healthy sensorial environments.

This book is designed specifically for students and academics, bridging the gap between knowledge from academia and its practical application in the field of architecture. It empowers architects to become better stewards of the environment, design healthier and more accountable buildings, and advocate for policy that recognizes the critical role of technology in shaping architectural thinking and practice.

Through its engaging content and interdisciplinary approach, this book equips architects with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern built environment and create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 151 x 226 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367749736