Architect: The evolving story of a profession

The architects role has evolved significantly over time, from lead builder to principal designer. It is a collaborative and reactive profession linked to the power of the patron. This book explores the constant threads that remain as the profession adapts, providing a critical overview of over 3000 years of practice and education. The authors argue that architects ability to adapt and reinvent themselves in the past will stand them in good stead for the uncertainties of the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: RIBA Publishing

The architects role is a dynamic and ever-evolving profession that has been shaped by a multitude of social, cultural, technological, and economic forces throughout history. The very definition of what an architect is and does has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a lead builder or master mason to a principal designer. This collaborative and reactive field is inextricably linked to the power of the patron, whether the client is an influential and affluent individual, a political, commercial, civic, or religious organization.

From Ancient Egypt, where architects were esteemed members of the ruling class, intricately involved in the administration of the empire, to the present day, when concerns are being raised about the future of the profession, this book explores the enduring threads that remain as architects adapt to changing circumstances. While architects may no longer be deified, their ability to envision a new and impending reality in built form implies a visionary dimension to their work. By delving into both the practical aspects of the profession and the intangible motivations behind design, namely the human need to leave a mark on their surroundings, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of over 3000 years of practice and education.

In examining the key questions of where the architectural profession originated in the Western tradition, why it is the way it is today, how it has evolved, and where it might be heading in the future, the authors propose that architects ability to adapt and reinvent themselves in the past will serve them well in navigating the uncertainties of the future.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 210 x 172 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914124853