Materiality is a recurring and central issue in architecture. This book explains how materials are "constructed", how they become cultural substances. Metamorphism investigates the complex relationship between natural materials and technology, science and sensuality. Gottfried Semper (1803-1879) made the notion of Stoffwechsel the key element of his theory. With this concept he intended to explain how a structural form originally bound to a method of processing is transferred from one material to another, liberated from its original function. For the first time, the book investigates the subject from a historic point of view whilst reflecting on current interdisciplinary research. Examples from Aalto to Zumthor illustrate the specific aspects of historic and contemporary material concepts.

About the Author
Prof. em. Akos Moravanszky, ETH Zurich


Book Information
ISBN 9783035610192
Author Akos Moravanszky
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Birkhauser
Publisher Birkhauser
Weight(grams) 744g