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Books > Arts & Architecture > Architecture
Ancient Athenians were known to reuse stone artifacts,
architectural blocks, and public statuary in the creation of new
buildings and monuments. However, these construction decisions went
beyond mere pragmatics: they were often a visible mechanism for
shaping communal memory, especially in periods of profound and
challenging social or political transformation. Sarah Rous develops
the concept of upcycling to refer to this meaningful reclamation,
the intentionality of reemploying each particular object for its
specific new context. The upcycling approach drives innovative
reinterpretations of diverse cases, including column drums built
into fortification walls, recut inscriptions, monument renovations,
and the wholesale relocation of buildings. Using archaeological,
literary, and epigraphic evidence from more than eight centuries of
Athenian history, Rous's investigation connects seemingly disparate
instances of the reuse of building materials. She focuses on
agency, offering an alternative to the traditional discourse on
spolia. Reset in Stone illuminates a vital practice through which
Athenians shaped social memory in the physical realm, literally
building their past into their city.
"Meeting Matteo, over 10 years ago in Hoxton Square has led me to
develop a genuine respect and curiosity about his work and
approach. I was excited and apprehensive when I decided to write
his story. Such a responsibility. This book is not simply about
Matteo's transformation from Marketing to the world of Interior
Design over the past decade, but more about what inspires and
drives someone and how they get through it. "From nothing, Matteo
has created a design studio with a reputation for elegance, quality
and quirkiness. I feel lucky to have been allowed such unlimited
access, which has brought me closer to Matteo. I hope what I have
discovered keeps you turning the pages, as I know that there is a
lot more to come. Have a look for yourself." Matteo Bianchi is an
award-winning Interior and Product Designer with an entrepreneurial
flair. Born in Venice, Italy, Bianchi's inherent passion for design
led him to train at the Chelsea College of Art & Design in
London, after a career in marketing and advertising. Matteo Bianchi
is the Founder and Director of Matteo Bianchi Studio, launched in
2007 and he also teaches Interior Design related courses at The
Interior Design School, London and Chelsea College of Art in the
United Kingdom and The United Arab Emirates. Matteo Bianchi's
Studio combines unexpected, unique and refined Interior and Product
Design.
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