Precision in Architecture: Certainty, Ambiguity and Deviation

This book explores the desire for and consequences of precise communications in contemporary architectural practice through close readings of constructed architectural details by Sigurd Lewerentz, Caruso St John Architects, Mies van der Rohe, and OMA. It challenges claims to certainty in architectural production and critiques ongoing expectations of certainty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves deep into the intricate realm of the desire for and the consequences of precise communications in the daily life of contemporary architectural practice. Through meticulous close readings of constructed architectural details by renowned architects such as Sigurd Lewerentz, Caruso St John Architects, Mies van der Rohe, and OMA, it offers a profound insight into the intricate dynamics that shape the world of architecture.

In the highly professionalized context of contemporary architectural practice, precise communications, including drawings, specifications, letters, faxes, and emails, assume an extraordinary responsibility. They are tasked with the intricate task of translating architectural intent into a neutral and quantifiable language, aimed at ensuring an exact match between the architects' intentions and the ultimately constructed result. However, as any architectural practitioner will attest, the reality of architectural construction often diverges from the precise predictions outlined in written and drawn documents.

This book boldly challenges the prevailing claims of certainty that have been attributed to such communications since the mid-nineteenth century. It critically examines the ongoing expectations of certainty in contemporary architectural production, shedding light on the inherent limitations and complexities that govern the architectural process. Through a series of insightful analyses and compelling arguments, the book explores the ways in which precision in communication can both hinder and facilitate the realization of architectural visions.

One of the key themes explored in this book is the inherent tension between the ideal of precision and the realities of architectural practice. Architects strive to convey their ideas and intentions with utmost clarity, but the inherent complexities of the construction process often render these intentions ambiguous. The book examines how architects navigate this gap, employing a range of strategies and techniques to communicate their designs effectively.

Furthermore, the book delves into the broader cultural and societal implications of precise communications in architecture. It explores how the demand for precision shapes the architectural profession, the construction industry, and the way we perceive and interact with built environments. It raises questions about the role of technology, standardization, and the influence of architectural ideologies on the production of architecture.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the field of architecture. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the desire for and the consequences of precise communications in contemporary architectural practice. Through its meticulous analysis of constructed architectural details and its critical engagement with the broader cultural and societal context, it provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex and dynamic world of architecture.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 175 x 244 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415789615