Architectures of Care: From the Intimate to the Common

This book explores how architecture shapes our affective, material, and social forms, from the intimate scale of the body to the planetary commons. It argues that traditional definitions of care prescribe gender roles, bodily norms, and labor practices and that architecture can engage with an expanded definition of care that questions these roles and norms, producing more hybrid entanglements between our bodies, collective lives, and environments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing from a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary perspectives, this captivating book delves into the profound ways in which spaces of care shape our emotional, material, and social realities, spanning from the most intimate confines of the body to the vast expanse of our planetary commons. Conventional definitions of care revolve around the sustenance of a livable existence, encompassing a wide spectrum of needs, from shelter and welfare to health and safety. Architecture stands as a pivotal player in these definitions, etched into institutional archetypes such as the home, hospital, school, and nursery. However, it is important to note that these spaces often perpetuate gender roles, bodily norms, and labor practices that limit our potential for holistic care.

In response to this, the chapters within this book explore a range of issues, including disabled domesticities, nursing practices, the dismantling of white supremacy in the built environment, environmental care practices, and the solidarity networks within the realm of "The Cloud." Through a diverse array of case studies, including the Floating University Berlin, commoning initiatives by the Black Panther party, and hospitals for the United Mine Workers of America, among many others, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of architecture's role in shaping spaces of care.

By integrating the lenses of gender studies, labor theory, environmental justice, and the medical humanities, this book appeals to students and scholars from a diverse array of disciplines. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the intricate connections between architecture, care, and the broader social and environmental contexts in which we live. Through its insightful analysis and compelling narratives, this book encourages us to reimagine the possibilities for designing spaces that promote holistic well-being, equity, and sustainability for all.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032283753