Anthropology for Architects: Social Relations and the Built Environment

Anthropology for Architects explores the relationship between contemporary social anthropology and architecture, focusing on architecture as a design practice. It shows how anthropology can help architects make informed decisions by providing a framework for thinking about the social life of buildings at an appropriate scale. The book is based on the author's experience teaching and research into anthropology and will be of interest to students, researchers, and architectural professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Anthropology for Architects delves into the captivating intersection of contemporary social anthropology and architecture, shedding light on the profound insights architects can glean from this interdisciplinary field. Rather than treating architectural artifacts as mere objects of anthropological inquiry, this book centers its attention on the activities and objectives of architects themselves. It explores the critical choices architects face in their design process, such as engaging with site contexts, creating drawings, modeling, constructing, or conducting post-occupancy analyses. By adopting an anthropological perspective, the book aims to enrich design decisions and foster a more socially informed, engaged, and sensitive architecture that responds directly to the needs of people.

Organized into chapters centered around familiar building types, such as studios, homes, markets, museums, and sacred spaces, Anthropology for Architects showcases how anthropology can assist architects in thinking about the social life of buildings at an appropriate scale. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual life-worlds of the building's users, enabling architects to create spaces that resonate with their experiences and aspirations. Through its exploration of complex, messy, real-world situations, the book argues that a truly anthropological architecture possesses the potential to offer a more socially aware, empathetic, and responsive architecture that aligns more closely with people's desires.

Drawing from the authors' extensive teaching experience and their research into anthropology through creative practice, this book is tailored to students, researchers, and architectural professionals alike. It provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of contemporary society and designing spaces that foster human well-being and social connectivity. By embracing the insights of anthropology, architects can create buildings that not only serve practical purposes but also have a positive impact on the lives of those who inhabit them.

In conclusion, Anthropology for Architects serves as a groundbreaking exploration of the reciprocal relationship between social anthropology and architecture. By foregrounding architects' activities and perspectives, it offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that can empower architects to create spaces that are not only functional but also socially meaningful and responsive. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of design, culture, and society, and it holds the promise of shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for architecture and society as a whole.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474241496