Analyzing a range of ideas from biological, evolutionary and anthropological theories to a variety of feminist, psychoanalytic, poststructuralist and constructivist discourses, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the problematics of gender and power in architectural and urban design. Topics range from conceptions of postulated matriarchal architecture in Old Europe to contemporary technologies of control; from the mechanisms of gaze to architectural performatives; from the under-representation of women in the planning profession to the integration of gender issues to the curriculum. The particular strengths of the book lie in its inclusiveness and critical analysis. It is not a partisan defence of feminism or any other theory, but a critical introduction to the issues relating to gender. Moreover, the conclusions reach beyond a narrow gender studies perspective to social and ethical considerations that are unavoidable in any responsible architectural or urbanistic practice. With its broad range and balanced analysis of different theories, the book is suitable as an overview of gender studies in architecture and useful for any designer who is concerned with the social effects of the built environment.

Analyzing a range of ideas from biological, evolutionary and anthropological theories to a variety of feminist, psychoanalytic, poststructuralist and constructivist discourses, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the problematics of gender and power in architectural and urban design. Topics range from conceptions of postulated matriarchal architecture in Old Europe to contemporary technologies of control; from the mechanisms of gaze to architectural performatives; from the under-representation of women in the planning profession to the integration of gender issues to the curriculum. The particular strengths of the book lie in its inclusiveness and critical analysis. It is not a partisan defence of feminism or any other theory, but a critical introduction to the issues relating to gender. Moreover, the conclusions reach beyond a narrow gender studies perspective to social and ethical considerations that are unavoidable in any responsible architectural or urbanistic practice. With its broad range and balanced analysis of different theories, the book is suitable as an overview of gender studies in architecture and useful for any designer who is concerned with the social effects of the built environment.

Architects often employ design methods to help them find more creative forms. These methods make it possible to break free of the traditional canon of forms and established paradigms. At the same time, there must be enough leeway for a functional, systematic design conception to take shape. This volume focuses in depth on the design methods that have decisively shaped current architectural practice. Themes are - Diagrammatic methods (using drawings and schematic representations), -Mimetic methods (imitative), - Parametric methods (using a characteristic quantity), - Automated and digital design methods of the contemporary avant-garde, e.g. scaling, datascapes, folding, and morphing.

Dans sa recherche de formes architectoniques, l'architecte a recours habituellement a des methodes de conception qui lui permettent de s'affranchir des formes canoniques et des schemas de pensee conventionnels. Mais, dans le meme temps, il doit, accorder une place suffisante a la conception systematique et fonctionnelle. Dans cet ouvrage, les methodes de conception ayant marque de maniere determinante le discours architectural actuel sont presentees et font l'objet d'une discussion approfondie.

Themes abordes sont - Methodes diagrammatiques (representation par des croquis et schemas), Methodes imitatives, Methodes parametriques (utilisant des variables caracteristiques), Methodes de conception automatisees et numeriques de l'avant-garde actuelle, Scaling, Datascapes, Folding, Morphing.