Cedric Price: Opera

This book serves as a sequel to the recently reprinted Cedric Price: The Square Book (Wiley–Academy, 2003), first published by the Architectural Association in 1984 to document the work of Cedric Price Architects from the time the practice was established in 1960. Cedric Price: Opera presents a carefully edited selection of chiefly unpublished work carried out by the office between 1985 and 2002.

Having secured his place as arguably the most remarkable, innovative, visionary and influential architect alive today with iconic projects such as The Fun Palace and Potteries Thinkbelt and built projects such as London Zoo s Aviary and the Interaction Centre, all appearing in the first book, Price s thesis of an "anticipatory architecture" is developed here through projects that are wide–ranging in scale, from enigmatic urban plans for Strasbourg to Christmas decorations in Oxford Street, London. All demand that society (including its architects) commit to "thinking the unimaginable" and learn to utilise "time" as its most treasured design tool.

Price tackles his subject and profession with a wit that can only come from a seriousness of approach and absolute belief in and fondness for humans and human nature. He says, "It is vital to see where architecture isn t needed." Cedric Price: Opera is about the work and a way of working which enthusiastically and tirelessly challenges our preconceptions of what is commonly known as architecture . It may be used as a reference book of possibilities. Contributions from colleagues within and outside of the profession describe aspects of Price s method, serving to illuminate the continued and future relevance of his ideas.

Introduction.

Green.

Bridges for All.

Identity/Identification/Contol/Private, Secret – Single – Delight.

Shelter and Containment.

Making Sense of Changing Ends by Altering Means.

Rejuvination and Rethink.

There and Gone.  

SAMANTHA HARDINGHAM trained at the Architectural Association (1987–93). Having spent one disturbing month in practice, she subsequently went on to write about architecture, in particular London: a guide to recent architecture (ellipsis/Batsford, 1994), now in its 6th edition.

" Wiley has done an excellent job with the Cedric Price Opera book beautifully presented congratulations all round " (Architects Journal, 22 May 2003)

" a welcome new book a great documentation of his drawings " (Building Design, 23 May 2003)

" a collection of recent ideas a rare example of someone who can design, build, and argue in witty, very English writing " (The Times, 8 July 2003)

" a leading light of the megastructure movement whose work was guided by amusing inspirational ideas " (The Times, 22 August 2003)

last honour given to one of the most interesting British architects and thinkers a remarkable selection of his unpublished work (Building Engineer, August 2004)

an essential antidote to conformity is the work of Price (Architects Journal, Dec 03)