World of Variation: The I Press Series on the Human Environment

Mary Otis Stevens and Thomas McNulty's 1970 book World of Variation proposed a radical reenvisioning of socio-spatial relationships,informed by their background in philosophy and commitment to decentralizing hierarchies. They identified possible design solutions to then-current social issues in abstract drawings, visualizing aspects of the urban environment and proposing a design philosophy she termed "free flow." This volume is a facsimile of the book, accompanying the MIT Museums exhibition on the work of Mary Otis Stevens, who is considered one of the most important female American postwar architects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Weiss Publications

In their groundbreaking work, World of Variation (1970), American architects Mary Otis Stevens (born 1928) and Thomas McNulty (1919–84) presented a radical reimagining of socio-spatial relationships, drawing upon their philosophical backgrounds and dedication to decentralizing hierarchies. Crafted in the context of the Cold War and the political activism of 1960s America, they identified potential design solutions to the pressing social issues of their time. Through striking abstract drawings, Stevens vividly portrayed aspects of the urban environment, proposing a design philosophy she termed "free flow." These diagrams capture the fluidity of movement as well as moments of contemplation. This volume serves as a facsimile of World of Variation, accompanying the MIT Museums exhibition dedicated to the work of Mary Otis Stevens. Regarded as one of the most significant female American postwar architects, Stevens is celebrated for her iconic design, Lincoln House (1965), created in collaboration with her then-husband Thomas McNulty. This groundbreaking house was the first in the US to feature exposed concrete and glass, marking a significant departure from traditional architectural styles. Thomas McNulty, who taught on MIT's faculty from 1949 to 1956, later ventured into partnership with Stevens, opening a firm together. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1978, and McNulty relocated to Saudi Arabia, where he continued his teaching career at the University of Riyadh.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 208 x 157 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783948318178