Overview

'Taking Shape' explores the evolution of scientific and academic theories that have resulted in the concept of sustainability. Susannah Hagan uses this as a basis to argue for developments in the future and argues that these theories are not 'just an intellectual and aesthetic regression' as they are often perceived to be. By focusing on the impact of the new theories of sustainable technology and new materials in architecture, Hagan moves the discourse and practice of environmental sustainability within architecture towards a greater degree of awareness of both its cultural significance and cultural potential. In short, it demonstrates the capacity of sustainable architecture to embrace cultural and technical innovation.

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'In recent times, the architecture/nature discussion has encouraged a dual response: architects have built in the image of nature - a token environmentalism - while environmentalists have focused too narrowly on the technologies of ecology and sustainability, invariably without paying sufficient attention to spatial and visual issues. In this book, Hagan argues for a new relationship between architecture and nature: a contract that renegotiates the tension between environmental processes and their formal consequences. 'Taking Shape' makes a major and provocative contribution to the debates concerning the ethics and aesthetics of environmentalism within architecture and urban design.' Mohsen Mostafavi, Chairman, The Architectural Association 'For those concerned with the future of the environment - built and unbuilt - this book is, in my view, indispensable.' Paul Florian, Florian Architects 'It is a pleasure to read her contents list - I can't think of anything I would want to add - she writes very well, clear, crisp, punchy, it is very lucid.' Ken Richardson 'Will find a useful place on students' and academics' shelves' Architectural Review 'This is a splendid work!' -Choice 'the relationship between modernity, style and the social content of architecture is pursued in depth' Crafts magazine 'What a brilliant piece of work to objectively bring not only the history of environmental design to the forefront but also its' relationship to contemporary post- modern architectural concepts. ' Uwe Rothe, Architect

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