Why We Build With Brick

This book explores the contemporary use of fired clay brick in homes, focusing on themes of home and house, homeownership, materiality, and sense of place. It investigates why brick remains a popular choice for homes in the UK, despite the availability of alternative materials, and how it is intertwined with the concept of a stable and secure home. Through observation of the building process and interviews with various stakeholders, the book reveals the embedded meanings of brick and the tensions and contradictions in its modern use in mass market housing. It adds complexity to the study of home and prompts debate about why we build the way we do.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the realm of contemporary fired clay brick, exploring profound themes such as home and house, homeownership, materiality, and sense of place. It investigates the enduring appeal of brick, despite the rise of alternative materials, in the UK, particularly in meeting people's expectations for what homes should be constructed from. Brick, in essence, is intricately linked to the concept of home, representing a materially stable and financially secure foundation that provides a sense of rootedness and belonging. Through meticulous observation of the building process and engaging interviews with bricklayers, foremen, planners, developers, and homebuyers in England, Felicity Cannell unravels the embedded meanings of this ordinary yet ubiquitous artefact. She reveals the complexities and contradictions inherent in the modern use of brick to signify the traditional home. While brick's efficiency in the planning process and its ability to facilitate quick sales are notable advantages, they come at the cost of restricting certain qualities that have historically made brick a superior building block. These qualities include decoration, flexibility, and strength, which have historically positioned brick as a versatile material capable of creating exceptional structures.

In conclusion, this book adds a rich layer of complexity to the study of home and ignites a thought-provoking debate about the reasons behind our architectural choices. It prompts us to reflect on the deeper significance of the places we call home and the materials we use to construct them. Through its insightful exploration, "Contemporary Fired Clay Brick: The Materiality of Home" offers valuable insights into the enduring appeal of brick and its role in shaping the built environment.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032159843