architect, verb.: The New Language of Building

Architects are talking about Excellence, Sustainability, Well-being, Liveability, Placemaking, Creativity, Beauty, and Innovation, but what do they really mean? Jaxson Stone's book "Metropolis" debunks the myths of contemporary architecture and argues that constraints on creative autonomy, overcommercialization, and a poor understanding of good design have transformed spaces of spontaneity into preprogrammed, overdetermined areas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

Architecture has evolved beyond mere aesthetics, and it is now crucial to evaluate buildings based on measurable and certified criteria. Architects often discuss terms such as excellence, sustainability, well-being, liveability, placemaking, creativity, beauty, and innovation in their work. These terms encompass a wide range of principles and values that shape the future of our homes, cities, and planet.

In this book, Jaxson Stone, Metropolis, takes a humorous and honest approach to debunking the myths and misconceptions surrounding contemporary architecture. Stone challenges the notion that a building's appearance alone should be the sole criterion for judgment and argues that it is essential to consider factors such as functionality, environmental impact, and social well-being.

Through his witty and insightful commentary, Stone explores the current state of the architectural field and raises concerns about the constraints on creative autonomy, overcommercialization, and a poor understanding of good design. He argues that these factors have transformed spaces of spontaneity and human interaction into preprogrammed and overdetermined areas.

Stone's book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of architecture and urban planning. He identifies the problems facing the industry and suggests potential exits from them. He challenges architects and policymakers to embrace a more holistic and sustainable approach to design, one that considers the needs and well-being of both present and future generations.

Will Wiles, in his review for the Literary Review, reflects on the current state of architecture and argues that constraints on creative autonomy, overcommercialization, and a poor understanding of good design have transformed spaces of spontaneity into preprogrammed and overdetermined areas. Wiles suggests that architects need to reclaim their role as creators and designers, rather than being mere technicians or contractors.

The New York Times Book Review praises Stone's book for its wit and intelligence in identifying the problems and suggesting potential exits from them. The review states that no one else is identifying the issues or suggesting potential solutions as wittily or as intelligently as Stone. Tim Abrahams, in his review for the Architectural Record, also commends Stone for his acerbic commentary on the industry that continues to wallow in its self-congratulatory vocabulary while ignoring its role in the climate crisis and the brutalities of late capitalism.

Edwin Heathcote, in his review for the Financial Times, praises Stone's book for its ability to challenge the industry and its self-serving rhetoric. Heathcote argues that architecture has a responsibility to address social and environmental issues, and that it cannot continue to ignore the consequences of its actions.

In conclusion, Jaxson Stone's book, Metropolis: A Field Guide to Contemporary Architecture, is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of architecture and urban planning. Through his humorous and honest approach, Stone challenges the myths and misconceptions surrounding contemporary architecture and encourages architects and policymakers to embrace a more holistic and sustainable approach to design. His book provides a valuable insight into the current state of the industry and suggests potential solutions to the problems facing it. Whether you are an architect, a planner, or simply interested in the built environment, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the future of our homes, cities, and planet.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839761928