Description
Since the early eighties, many architects have used the term "narrative" to describe their work. To architects the enduring attraction of narrative is that it offers a way of engaging with the way a city feels and works. Rather than reducing architecture to mere style or an overt emphasis on technology, it foregrounds the experiential dimension of architecture. Narrative Architecture explores the potential for narrative as a way of interpreting buildings from ancient history through to the present, deals with architectural background, analysis and practice as well as its future development.
- Authored by Nigel Coates, a foremost figure in the field of narrative architecture, the book is one of the first to address this subject directly
- Features architects as diverse as William Kent, Antoni Gaudi, Eero Saarinen, Ettore Sottsass, Superstudio, Rem Koolhaas, and FAT to provide an overview of the work of NATO and Coates, as well as chapters on other contemporary designers
- Includes over 120 colour photographs
Signposting narrative's significance as a design approach that can aid architecture to remain relevant in this complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-everything age, Narrative Architecture is a must-read for anyone with an interest in architectural history and theory.
About the Author
Nigel Coates is an architect, designer and educator. Along with eight of his ex-students, he founded the NATO group in 1983. With Doug Branson he began Branson Coates Architecture in 1985, and together they built extensively in Japan and the UK. He is a prolific product and furniture designer, and has designed for Hitch Mylius, Alessi, Fornasetti and Slamp. His drawings and furniture are in the collection of the V&A. He is the author of several books including Guide to Ecstacity (2003). For over 15 years, Coates was Professor of Architectural Design at the Royal College of Art, London.
Reviews
'Nigel Coates walk through narrative architecture is fun and fascinating. (RIBA Journal, March 2012) The book does solidly live up to its promise, providing a staggering number of references that for the first time build up a broad picture of the scope and range of narrative architecture in all its guises (Blueprint, April 2012) Narrative Architecture is certainly a good read. (Architectural Review, April 2012)
Book Information
ISBN 9780470057445
Author Nigel Coates
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint John Wiley & Sons Inc
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 218mm * 168mm * 13mm
