What is "good" architecture? This seemingly simple question is connected to a wide range of criteria-just like the radical quest for "good" food, which has produced a wealth of insights over the past few decades. This book showcases buildings based on simple technology, good craftsmanship, and careful choice of local and natural materials, as well as local development initiatives which demonstrate excellence in building quality, landscape restoration, and community revitalization. The selection of case studies is broad and definitely unconventional: it encompasses Europe and Japan, and privileges lesser-known authors, unobtrusive works, and marginal localities where radically fresh attitudes have been able to develop.
Biografie
Andrea Bocco Guarnieri. MA, Ph.D. Associate Professor in Architectural Technology at Politecnico di Torino. He has performed research on Bernard Rudofsky (Bernard Rudofsky. A Humane Designer, Springer Verlag, 2003); ontology for terminological computational resources; analysis of technological design and building detail in contemporary architecture (Antonio Besso-Marcheis. An architectural mode, Abitare Segesta, 2005); Alpine architecture and material culture (Flessibile come di pietra. Tattiche di sopravvivenza e pratiche di costruzione nei villaggi montani, CELID, 2008, with Gianfranco Cavaglià); urban regeneration, participatory design and social housing. His current research fields are the sustainability of the traditional built environment, namely in Alpine regions; and appropriate technologies, stemming from a holistic approach to life. He has also been the founder and director of San Salvario Neighbourhood Development Agency.
