Region

This book explores how the concept of 'region' has evolved over time and shaped architectural culture and practice, questioning what it means for architecture, cities, and landscapes past and present and speculating on its future forms. It is curated into four key thematic areas and incorporates the values, concerns, and approaches of a diverse international community of scholars, curators, and practitioners.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate evolution of the concept of 'region' and its profound impact on architectural culture and practice. It raises thought-provoking questions about the meanings of 'region' and 'regional' for architecture, cities, and landscapes across different eras. It also engages in speculative discussions about the potential shapes these concepts may take in the future. The book explores region from various thematic perspectives, including its physical geographical location as a site of evolving socio-economic activity, its mythical significance as a cradle of enduring values, its role as a guardian of indigenous crafts and vernacular techniques, its fertile ground for architectural and artistic imagination, and its repository of contested, conflicting, and mobile identities.

The contributing chapters traverse these themes from the theoretical and literary realm to architectural and urban practices, encompassing a wide range of scales, from the intimate domestic hearth to the vast ocean archipelago and international legal frameworks. By integrating the values, concerns, and approaches of a diverse international community of scholars, curators, practitioners, and design students, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of architectural regionalism.

The book is organized into four key thematic areas: Theorised Regions, Contested Regions, Heritage Regions, and Future Regions. Each section brings together a diverse range of perspectives and insights, fostering a rich and multifaceted understanding of the region's significance. Through the inclusion of design work created by international students, the book also highlights the personal and subjective interpretations of what region means to individuals and communities.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, architects, urban planners, and anyone interested in the study of place and its influence on architectural and cultural heritage. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the concept of region, challenging traditional notions and opening up new avenues for understanding and appreciation.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032422572