Learning from the Local

Designing responsively for people, climate and culture

An exploration of context specific, locally sourced and sustainable architecture.

Architecture struggles with the ‘local’.

As the move towards globalisation falters, the question of how a building might relate to its place in a meaningful manner has never been more pressing.

The sourcing and use of local materials has increasingly become an expectation in contemporary architecture. But what does local mean in this context? Should we use Cotswold stone in the Cotswolds forever – even if this necessitates using imitation stone? In rural areas, must we design traditional barns or farms with pitched roofs regardless of their sustainability?

Learning from the Local explodes the myth that vernacular style and national identity are the only design routes for place-specific architecture. The book is not a plea to return to pre-industrial times, but an attempt to understand the origins of the local in a global culture. Through a myriad of global case studies, it explores how geology, geography, material experimentation, waste, ecology, social issues, self-build and community engagement are heralding a new age. This sets the stage for a rich and evolving era of locally responsive architecture that is both low carbon and a true reflection of the circumstances of its production.

Features:

• Over 30 case studies illustrated with full-colour photography, drawings and plans.
• Architecture from across the world, spanning Spain, Greece, Australia, Costa Rica, China, Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Japan, USA, UK, Chile, Beirut, Netherlands, India and Italy.
• Work from renowned architects, including Clancy Moore, Frank Gehry, Gianni Botsford, Glenn Murcutt, Jørn Utzon, Kéré Architecture, Lacol, Lina Ghotmeh, Mole Architects, Sarah Wigglesworth, Terunobu Fujimori and Yasmeen Lari.

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.