Speculative Coolness: Architecture, Media, the Real, and the Virtual

Cantley's work explores the emergence of a liminal territory between the real and the virtual, showcasing experimental architecture/design praxis. Speculative Coolness surveys and collects this work, presenting projects that speculate on the Architecture[s] that might occupy this territory, alongside critical essays by architectural practitioners and theorists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Cantley's groundbreaking work provides a unique and essential perspective on the emergence of a liminal space that exists between the physical and digital realms, yet remains largely unexplored by mainstream architecture. In his book, Speculative Coolness: Surveys and Collects a Highly Experimental Architecture/Design Praxis, Cantley presents a curated selection of his most innovative projects, which aim to unravel the complexities and potentialities of this new territory. Through these projects, he explores the conditions, contexts, and media logics that govern this emerging realm, and speculates on the architectural forms that it might inhabit and the ways in which it might shape our future.

The book is divided into two sections: resolved projects and works in progress. The resolved projects showcase completed works that have already made significant contributions to the field, while the works in progress offer a glimpse into the ongoing explorations and experiments of Cantley and his team. These projects are presented alongside a series of critical essays written by renowned architectural practitioners and theorists. These essays provide valuable insights into the disciplinary, social, and cultural context of the work, highlighting its importance in expanding the boundaries of architectural knowledge.

One of the key themes that emerge from Cantley's work is the blurring of the boundaries between architecture and its documentative media. The projects in the book are not merely physical structures but also encompass a range of media, including photography, video, and digital technologies. Cantley challenges traditional notions of architectural representation and explores new ways of capturing and communicating the spatial and temporal aspects of architecture.

Another notable aspect of Speculative Coolness is its commitment to experimentation and risk-taking. Cantley and his team embrace the unknown and push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and design. They explore unconventional materials, techniques, and forms, challenging the established norms and conventions of the field. This approach not only leads to innovative and exciting designs but also contributes to the evolution of architectural practice and theory.

In conclusion, Cantley's work offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the emerging liminal territory between the physical and digital realms. Through Speculative Coolness, he provides a valuable contribution to the field of architecture and design, challenging traditional notions and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The book's combination of resolved projects, works in progress, and critical essays makes it an essential resource for architects, designers, and scholars interested in exploring the future of architecture and its relationship with technology.

Weight: 990g
Dimension: 210 x 280 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032318868