Occupation:Boundary: Art, Architecture, and Culture at the Water

This book explores the social, political, and cultural factors that have shaped the evolution of urban waterfronts through art and design practices. It highlights the dual roles of art and culture in recording and instigating change at the threshold between the city and the sea. The author, Cathy Simon, recounts her career building at and around the water's edge and discusses the work of contemporary architects and the principles of a guiding design philosophy. The book features case studies of New York and San Francisco, and includes architectural work by the author, framed by critic John King and architect Justine Shapiro-Kline. It demonstrates the role of art and design in creating an equitable and inviting public realm.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2022
Publisher: Oro Editions

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay of social, political, and cultural forces that have shaped and continue to influence the evolution of the urban waterfront, as seen through the lens of artistic and design practices. It expands beyond the boundaries of architecture and urban design, exploring the dual roles that art and culture have played in relation to this dynamic landscape. Occupation: Boundary sheds light on how art and culture have served as powerful mediums for recording and instigating change at the intersection of the city and the sea.

In the present era, where innovative solutions are urgently needed to transform urban waterfronts and cultivate resilient boundaries, architect Cathy Simon takes us on a journey through her career, both in building at and around the water's edge and in service of the public realm. Through her personal experiences and reflections, she presents the work of contemporary architects, while also delving into the origins and principles of a guiding design philosophy rooted in meditations on art and observations of coastal cities worldwide.

The port cities of New York and San Francisco emerge as case studies that frame the author's reflections and weave a narrative that blends professional and personal memoir, enriched with stunning images and drawings. The book is structured into three parts, the first two of which explore the connections between the past and present by tracing the rise and fall of urban, industrial ports and providing context for their recent transformations. Through design, these reinterpretations often serve the public by implementing environmentally conscious strategies through inventive approaches to cultural and recreational programs.

The work of visual artists, both historical and contemporary, is interwoven with architecture, poetry, and literary references, illuminating and amplifying the themes explored in the book. Occupation: Boundary serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and culture in shaping the urban waterfront and beyond, offering insights and inspiration for architects, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the intersection of urban development, culture, and the natural environment.

Weight: 996g
Dimension: 179 x 255 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781943532971