Werewolf: The Architecture of Lunacy, Shapeshifting, and Material Metamorphosis

Werewolf explores an emerging branch of architecture that embraces the transformation of form, performance, and responsiveness to environments and context, using the figure of the werewolf to propose a model where changes of state, mutation, and decomposition are conceptually fundamental.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 450 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2022
Publisher: Oro Editions

As climate, culture, and technology continue to evolve and become increasingly unpredictable, the static nature of architecture becomes increasingly incongruous. This shift is explored in depth in the book "Werewolf," which delves into an emerging but under-investigated branch of architecture that embraces the transformation of form, performance, and the responsiveness to environments and context.

The book is organized into three parts. The first part provides a theoretical framework for understanding the role of architecture in shaping our world. The second part showcases architectural precedents that demonstrate the potential for transformation. The third part includes critical essays by leading architects and scholars, who offer their perspectives on the future of architecture.

One of the key themes of the book is the shift from passive buildings to reactive structures. In the past, architects designed buildings that were primarily focused on energy efficiency and sustainability, but these approaches are no longer sufficient in the face of climate change and political turmoil. The book argues that architects need to embrace a more proactive approach, where buildings are designed to respond to changing environmental conditions and social needs.

To achieve this, the book proposes a model where changes of state, mutation, and decomposition are conceptually fundamental. The werewolf is used as a metaphor for this model, as it represents a creature that is constantly in flux, adapting to its environment and transforming over time. The book suggests that architecture can similarly be designed to embrace these changes, rather than resist them.

One of the key insights of the book is that architecture has the power to negotiate rather than resist change. By designing buildings that are flexible and adaptable, architects can create spaces that can respond to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. This can lead to more sustainable and resilient communities, where buildings are not only functional but also contribute to the well-being of their occupants and the broader community.

Another important theme of the book is the role of architecture in addressing political, social, and environmental unrest. The book argues that architecture can be used as a tool for social change and activism, by creating spaces that challenge dominant narratives and promote alternative visions for the future. By designing buildings that are visually striking and provocative, architects can create spaces that inspire and empower people to take action.

In conclusion, "Werewolf" is a thought-provoking and innovative book that offers a new perspective on the role of architecture in shaping our world. By embracing the transformation of form, performance, and the responsiveness to environments and context, architects can create buildings that are not only functional but also contribute to the well-being of their occupants and the broader community. The book's use of the werewolf as a metaphor for change and its focus on the architects agency to critically address political, social, and environmental unrest make it a valuable resource for architects, scholars, and anyone interested in the future of architecture.

Weight: 969g
Dimension: 241 x 171 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781951541132