Contemporary Public Space: Un-volumetric Architecture

Critic James Wines notes, "The topic of this book, ''un-volumetric architecture'' is the search for creative alternatives to the overly volumetric ''shape making'' obsessions of international architecture today . . ." Here are over 50 important experimental contemporary designs for public spaces sited throughout the world-earthworks and surface design, canopies and shelters, and other forms of "micro-architecture." As a theory un-volumetric architecture attracted designers including the Acconci studio, Shigeru Ban, Eduard Bru, Manuel de Sola Morales, Isamo Nougichi, Toyo Ito, Wes Jones, Kengo Kuma, Torres & La Pena, Mary Miss, N! Studio, NL architects, Oma, Site, Italo Rota, Sauerbruch & Hutton, and Venturi Scott Brown.

Aldo Aymonino is Professor of Architectural Composition at the University of Venice and Visiting Professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.