Towards an Ecology of Tectonics: The Need for Rethinking Construction in Architecture

The global resources situation and the climate crisis are two of the biggest challenges faced by mankind today. These issues will have a significant impact on societal evolution, urban and rural land development, and how we define our cultural identities. In response, many countries with high energy consumption have made the energy-related requirements for buildings more stringent, which will require a holistic approach to materials, construction technology, and the design of structures. This book explores ideas, design principles, and practices that relate to tectonics in architecture, and discusses a series of themes in relation to various concepts of ecology. It is part of a research project conducted by leading academics associated with the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture, the Aarhus School of Architecture, and the Danish Building Research Institute.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: Edition Axel Menges

The global resources situation and the climate crisis stand as formidable challenges confronting humanity today, exerting a profound impact on societal evolution, urban and rural land development, and the shaping of our cultural identities. These pressing issues will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the realm of architecture, shaping its future trajectory. In recent years, many countries with high energy consumption have implemented stricter regulations regarding energy-related requirements for buildings. These regulations encompass both the resources utilized in construction and their operational energy consumption. Consequently, these new requirements will exert a significant influence on the design and construction of buildings in the years to come. It will no longer suffice to merely enhance insulation thickness or improve airtightness of building envelopes. Such approaches may compromise architectural design, disrupt construction practices, negatively impact indoor environments, and limit the flexibility of buildings to adapt to changing uses over time.

Furthermore, the ongoing growth of industrialization poses a significant challenge in terms of its impact on architectural quality. The transition from traditional craft-based construction methods to computer-controlled production processes employed in industrialized manufacturing has led to the imposition of rigorous standards at the design stage. These standards govern the process as it unfolds on the construction site, resulting in an assembly architecture that no longer relies on locally available materials, local cultural traditions, or the specific physical context. This shift has created a disconnect between the built environment and its surrounding environment, undermining the authenticity and relevance of architectural designs.

In response to these challenges, this book delves into ideas, design principles, and practices related to tectonics in architecture. It explores various concepts of ecology, seeking to establish a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural world. By examining the interplay between tectonics, ecology, and architectural design, this book aims to provide insights and strategies for creating sustainable, resilient, and culturally sensitive buildings that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Weight: 1156g
Dimension: 286 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783936681864