The Paradox of Contemporary Architecture

Strangely, it is expected of any original or exceptionally creative architect that he or she must – somehow – be able to communicate ideas through a lecture. As a result, a whole culture of presentation, discussio, criticism and theory has arisen. The effort of communication becomes part of the creative cycle. In the manner of a ′live performances′ versus a ′studio performance′ in music you get the intensity of the moment and the personality of the artist and, perhaps, a different ′take′ on things arising from the same lecture but different audiences. This book is a digest of some lectures that have formed the Lowe Lecture Series at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London during the season 1999 – 2001. The established names are being challenged by more eager, more edgy and more exotic voices. The paradox of dissent can be read against the continuity in architectural values that spans today′s wide range of positions.

Foreword. Introduction. Marie–Ange Brayer. Melvin Charney. Chora. Decoi. The Office of Zaha Hadid. Christine Hawley. Sumet Jumsai. Klaus Kada. Zamp Kelp. Lot/Ek Architecture. Frederic Migayrow. Marcos Novak. Oosterhuisassociates. Claude Parent. Stephen Perrella. Roy. Snohetta. Softroom. Stelarc. Clorindo Testa. What? Architecture/Anthony Hoete. Philip Steadman.

"..this is a useful record.." (Architectural Review, January 2002)