New British Architecture

Author: Kenneth Powell
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Today, the practice of architects is gradually expanding from local to global scales. Many British architects have successfully won design projects overseas. Similarly, architects from Europe, the United States, and the Far East have left their mark in the UK. Mentioning these, one naturally thinks of Daniel Libeskind's Imperial War Memorial North Building, Tadao Ando's new square and exhibition hall in Manchester, or Frank Gehry's Dunde Cancer Care Center. Renowned British design teams, such as Future Systems, A+H Architects, and Nicholas Grimshaw Partners, have without exception become leaders in the international field of architectural design. Meanwhile, emerging design talents, including many designers from regions outside the capital, such as Ian Simpson Architects in Manchester, Gran Holt Architects in Birmingham, or Bowman Leon in Leeds, are gradually rising, collectively shaping the legend of the recent British architectural revival. This book, richly illustrated, introduces over 100 outstanding projects of varying scales across the UK with a highly engaging writing style. The opening introduction provides an important overview of the development of British architecture since the 1960s, analyzes the factors influencing this trajectory, and examines the major trends and ideas that will shape the future of British architectural environment: urban regeneration, contemporary applications of local styles, the energy crisis, architectural conservation and reuse, as well as the impact of new materials and technologies. There has always been debate within the industry and society about the role of architecture in creating a new human environment and supporting the development of a healthy society. On this topic, this book will make a positive and powerful contribution.