Architecture Beyond Criticism

‘Imagine if architects were trained to respond dynamically to their critics? Imagine if architecture critics practiced with sufficient rigor to be taken seriously by architects? This book is a brave and original attempt to bring together two antagonistic cultures. It points the way to a better-performing future—for critics, for architects, and for those of us, all of us, who would benefit from a built world capable of learning from the lessons of the present.’ - Philip Nobel, Editorial Director, SHoP Architects

'This is a provocative and fascinating examination of the dissolving boundaries between architectural criticism and building performance evaluation, from the historic roots of each to their evolving, sometimes contentious, relationship today. The international roster of contributing architects, planners, critics, and academics offer compelling arguments and case studies that should be fodder for debate in many spheres for many years to come.' - Kristen Richards, Hon. AIA, Hon. ASLA, Founder and Editor, ArchNewsNow.com, and Editor, Oculus magazine

‘Powerful building design tools and methodologies, coupled with advanced construction technologies, have enabled architects to create buildings increasingly complex in form and function. Yet assessment of architecture, especially in public media, remains highly subjective and qualitative, focused mostly on visual, contextual and historical attributes. Evidence-based evaluation and objective measurement of building performance - functional, technical, environmental, sociological, economic, and political - are rare in critical discourse. The diverse contributors to Architecture Beyond Criticism rigorously address these contrasting assessment paradigms and, often using place and project case studies, show why architectural criticism must become more comprehensive. Any professional who judges architecture - media critics, historians, design professors, practicing architects, and building engineers - should read this insightful, well researched book.’ - Roger K. Lewis, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, is a practicing architect and urban planner; a Professor Emeritus of Architecture at the University of Maryland College Park; and an author and journalist

'Critique has long been considered a vital force in driving architectural excellence. Yet few educators understand the differences between good, actionable critical feedback and creatively limiting, negative feedback. This book invites both established educators and practitioner critics to consider some of the tacit agendas that influence design critique, and the role it has to play in shaping both the values and practices of tomorrows profession.' - Dr Harriet Harris, Principal Lecturer, Oxford Brookes University