BIG. Formgiving. An Architectural Future History

BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) presents Formgiving, an Architectural Future History, which looks at the horizon of time and proposes spaces for our lives that are fragments of the future in the making. The book is presented in a timeline, stretching from the Big Bang into the most distant future, and is structured around six strands of evolution: "Making," "Sensing," "Sustaining," "Thinking," "Healing," and "Moving." Through architecture and design, BIG gives shape to a sustainable and simultaneously colorful world.

Format: Book
Length: 736 pages
Publication date: 27 March 2021
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

An Architectural Future History by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) is a visionary exploration of the distant horizon of time. The Danish word "formgivning," which translates to "giving form to that which has not yet taken shape," encapsulates the essence of this endeavor. In essence, it seeks to shape the future. In a world where humankind's impact on the planet is ever-increasing and presenting formidable challenges to all life forms, the ability to shape the future rather than allowing it to unfold becomes paramount. Architecture plays a unique role in this regard, as it proposes spaces that are glimpses into the future that is yet to be fully realized. William Gibson's famous words capture the essence of architecture's role: "The future is already here; it's just not evenly distributed."

With "Formgiving," BIG presents the concluding installment of its trilogy, which commenced with "Yes is More," one of the most successful architectural books of its generation. This trilogy has continued with "Hot to Cold: An Odyssey of Architectural Adaptation." The book is organized in a chronological timeline, spanning from the Big Bang to the most distant future. Projects are structured around six strands of evolution: "Making," "Sensing," "Sustaining," "Thinking," "Healing," and "Moving." These multidisciplinary concepts encompass the entire building industry, incorporating multimedia elements and interdisciplinary approaches.

In over 700 pages, Bjarke Ingels showcases his personal selection of remarkable projects. These include the 12,000-square-meter LEGO House in Denmark, the human-made ecosystems floating on oceans, and the transformative redesign of a World War II bunker into a contemplative space. Each project reflects the integration of culture, climate, landscape, and the energies derived from the elements. From the thermal mass of the ocean to the dynamics of currents, the energy and warmth of the sun, and the power of the wind, these projects harness the natural forces to create innovative and sustainable solutions.

Through "Formgiving," BIG invites us to envision a future where architecture not only shapes physical spaces but also contributes to the betterment of society and the environment. It serves as a reminder that our power to shape the future is at our fingertips, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and with compassion. As we navigate the challenges of the present and look towards the horizon of time, let us be inspired by the visionary ideas presented in this book and work towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Weight: 1986g
Dimension: 164 x 254 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836577045