In recent years, many of the more significant buildings have become increasingly complex and sophisticated from both a design and constructional perspective. Concurrently, there has been considerable emphasis placed on the celebration of architectural ‘surface’, how buildings are experienced internally and externally as finite objects, with much less consideration of how buildings are designed, procured and inhabited.
This book will explain and investigate the concept of holistic, inter/trans-disciplinary architectural design with direct reference to both the process (inherent design/management methodologies) and product (the building as conceived, designed, constructed and inhabited). It features the following coverage:
An explanation of the theories underpinning the concept of Architectural Systemics
Identification, description and classification of building systems, such as structural, cladding, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, circulation, security, information, monitoring, management systems and so on.
Metaphorical ‘dissection’ and ‘reconstruction’ of important, recently-completed buildings in order to establish the relative importance and interdependencies of their constituent systems to a standardised format.
Description and analysis of ‘case studies’ related to generic types.
Establishment of hierarchies and typologies.
Review, feedback and feed-forward.
The case studies are chosen to further explain the concept and the types and scope of the design processes involved. These cases allow prominent practices to ‘showcase’ important projects based on a standardised format. The case studies have been chosen to illustrate a wide range of building typologies in order to identify both generic and specific approaches to systemic design, in a range of climatic zones.
‘Systemic’ analysis and the appraisal of built projects highlights the main drivers adopted by successful multi-disciplinary design practices and identifies possible future trends in building procurement. It is essential reading for all students of architecture at any stage, who wish to see projects realised in practice.
