Exteriorless Architecture: Form, Space and Urbanities of Neoliberalism

The current phase of capitalist development is characterized by a diverse range of spatial byproducts, such as data centers, warehouses, container terminals, logistics parks, and many others. These architectures represent specific power relations, exacerbate issues of labor, and generate dramatic processes of subjectivity. They belong to a common paradigm: the EXTERIORLESS, which is defined by its physical and symbolic role as interface, its ambiguous condition of being at the same time local and global, isolated and connected, compressed and expanded, and its contribution to new forms of urbanity in absence of the traditional city. The book attempts to answer these questions by delineating three main characteristics for an architecture of the EXTERIORLESS: its physical and symbolic role as interface, its ambiguous condition of being at the same time local and global, isolated and connected, compressed and expanded, and its contribution to new forms of urbanity in absence of the traditional city.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The current phase of capitalist development is characterized by a wide array of spatial byproducts that exhibit remarkable diversity. These include data centers, warehouses, container terminals, logistics parks, and numerous other structures. Often perceived as mediocre and mundane examples that fall outside established disciplinary canons, these architectural episodes hold significant relevance. Their relevance lies not in their aesthetic or historical qualities, but rather in what they represent—the system of values embedded within these spaces. These architectures convey specific power relations, exacerbate issues of labor, and initiate dramatic processes of subjectivity.

Most importantly, these architectures, despite their formal and typological heterogeneity, share a common paradigm: the EXTERIORLESS.

Defining an architecture of the EXTERIORLESS is a complex task, as it requires a nuanced understanding of its characteristics. How does it differ from previous examples and manifestations? How do notions of legibility, form versus function, typological articulation come into play?

In situating the spatialities of contemporary capitalism within the broader discourse on Anthropocene, Post-Anthropocene, and Capitalocene, the book aims to address these questions by delineating three fundamental aspects for an architecture of the EXTERIORLESS. These aspects include:

Physical and Symbolic Role as Interface: The EXTERIORLESS architecture serves as an interface between different realms, blurring the boundaries between the physical and symbolic worlds. It acts as a mediator, facilitating the exchange of information, goods, and people in a globalized economy.

Ambiguous Condition of Being at the Same Time Local and Global: The EXTERIORLESS architecture exists in a state of ambiguity, simultaneously embodying local and global characteristics. It is situated within specific geographic locations but transcends them through its connectivity to the wider world. This duality creates a sense of isolation and connection, as well as compression and expansion.

Contribution to New Forms of Urbanity in Absence of the Traditional City: The EXTERIORLESS architecture contributes to the emergence of new forms of urbanity that depart from traditional city structures. It challenges the notion of the city as a fixed entity and opens up possibilities for decentralized, distributed, and flexible urban landscapes.

To explore these three defining aspects in greater detail, the book is organized into three main sections. Each section includes two chapters that cover a wide range of themes and examples.

The first section focuses on the physical and symbolic role of the EXTERIORLESS as an interface. It examines how these architectures facilitate the exchange of information and goods, shaping the spatial dynamics of contemporary capitalism. The chapters explore the role of data centers, logistics parks, and other infrastructure in the global economy, highlighting their impact on urbanization, labor practices, and the environment.

The second section explores the ambiguous condition of the EXTERIORLESS architecture. It examines how these structures embody both local and global characteristics, creating a sense of dislocation and belonging. The chapters discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by the blurring of boundaries, such as the potential for cultural hybridization and the emergence of new forms of identity.

The third section examines the contribution of the EXTERIORLESS to new forms of urbanity. It explores how these architectures challenge the traditional city model and create decentralized, distributed, and flexible urban landscapes. The chapters discuss the role of container terminals, logistics parks, and other infrastructure in shaping urban landscapes, highlighting their potential for sustainable development and resilience.

In conclusion, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the spatialities of contemporary capitalism through the lens of the EXTERIORLESS architecture. By defining three fundamental aspects—physical and symbolic role as interface, ambiguous condition of being at the same time local and global, and contribution to new forms of urbanity—the book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on Anthropocene, Post-Anthropocene, and Capitalocene. It sheds light on the complex relationships between architecture, capitalism, and the environment, offering insights into the future of urbanization and the role of architecture in shaping it.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032170817