1st Edition

Mapping the Global Architect of Alterity Practice, Representation and Education

By Michael Jenson Copyright 2014
    192 Pages 15 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    190 Pages 15 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Due to globalization, cultural spaces are now developing with no tangible connection to geographical place. The territorial logic traditionally used to underpin architecture and envision our built environment is being radically altered, forcing the adoption of a new method of conceptualizing space/geography and what constitutes architectural practice. Construction techniques, design sensibilities, and cultural identities are being transformed as technology transports us to places that were previously unreachable.

    The resultant "globalized" architect must become more than just an artful visionary, but also a master of the art of the political nudge willing to act within multiple mediums and at the simultaneous scales of a chaotic new world disorder. Though fearless they must also be responsible, inherently understanding the necessity to align bold visions with the mundane details of the everyday in ways that are culturally flexible and accepting of change. The potential for what must be considered the legitimate practice of the architect must move from a purely material venue to one more directly engaged in the chaos of the larger economic, political, and social spheres of a globalizing world.

    The issues and possible interactions with globalization contained in this text exemplify ways that architecture is transforming into a more flexible and fluid interdisciplinary version of its traditional self in order to rise to challenges of this new international terrain. A theme runs throughout in the form of a call: that architects must conceptually re-construct their frames of reference to better align with the demands of a rapidly globalizing world.

    Introduction: Mapping the Global Architect of  Alterity  Part 1: 21st Century Global Design Processes  1. Architecture Writ Large  2. Subverting the ‘Straight and Narrow’  3. Towards s Globally Equitable Relationship Between Nature & Humanity  Part 2: Global Design Perspectives: Identity, Materiality, & Cultural Diversity  4. New Urban Topologies  5. Wholesale Urbanism  6. Towards a Globalized "Junk" Architecture of Magnitude  7. The Global Nomad  Part 3: Globalizing Architecture And Design Education  8. Towards a "Globalized" Studio Environment: Configuring Reflexive Spatial Agendas  9. Educating The 21st Century Global Architect. Conclusion: Complexity, Alterity, & the Contemporary

    Biography

    Michael K. Jenson is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Current Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado, Denver. He has practiced in Dallas, New York, Paris, and Denver and has worked on urban design/architecture projects in China, France, Germany, and the USA. His teaching and research explore interdisciplinary dialogues that cultivate innovation in architectural technology and urbanism.

    "The scope of this book is at once expansive and focused. In it, Michael Jenson attempts to map the forces and agents of globalization involved in the production of architecture, and present a toolkit for architects who are, or will be, practicing in this realm." - Eunice Seng, University of Hong Kong in Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review