Essays on Thermodynamics

Essays on Thermodynamics, Architecture and Beauty, is a book that unfolds arguments and designs around the concept of thermodynamic beauty. This new aesthetic category opens up new and unexpected directions to the architect's work, connecting architecture and thermodynamics without giving up the tectonic tradition. The compendium will be developed through the concepts of Somatisms, Monsters Assemblage, Verticalism and Thermodynamic Materialism, summarizing design strategies, and opening new territories at the scales of building, public space and landscape.
Essays on Thermodynamics, Architecture and Beauty, is a book that unfolds arguments and designs around the concept of "thermodynamic beauty". This new aesthetic category opens up new and unexpected directions to the architect's work, connecting architecture and thermodynamics without giving up the tectonic tradition. The compendium will be developed through the concepts of Somatisms, Monsters Assemblage, Verticalism and Thermodynamic Materialism, summarizing design strategies, and opening new territories at the scales of building, public space and landscape.
I�aki �balos has Master's degree in Architecture (1978) and Ph.D. Architecture (1991) from the School of Architecture of Madrid (ETSAM). Had the RIBA International Felowship 2009. Royal Institute of British Architects, and is Chair of Department of Architecture GSD Harvard University from 2013.
"Written in collaboration by Inaki Abalos and Renata Snetkiewicz, and editorially assisted by Lluis Ortega, "Essays on Thermodynamics, Architecture and Beauty" is an inherently compelling study that unfolds arguments and designs around the concept of "thermodynamic beauty." This new aesthetic category opens up new and unexpected directions to the architect's work, connecting architecture and thermodynamics without giving up the tectonic tradition. This compendium is developed through the concepts of Somatisms, Monsters Assemblage, Verticalism and Thermodynamic Materialism, summarizing design strategies, and opening new territories at the scales of building, public space and landscape. Profusely illustrated throughout, "Essays On Thermodynamics, Architecture and Beauty" is an impressively informed and informative work of exceptional scholarship and especially recommended as a core addition to professional, college, and university library Architectural Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists." --Michael J. Carson, Midwest Book Review
"This work gathers essays written by the authors since 2006, along with quotes, short pieces, and longer essays by many other contributors. They explore themes of architecture in contemporary culture, future architecture scenarios, and experimental proposals developed in the field of academia. Material is grouped in sections on somatism, verticalism, thermodynamic materialism, and the assemblage of monsters. The book offers a wealth of case studies on innovative buildings and projects, such as New Kroken Park in Norway, Biobio Theater in Chile, Taipei Performing Arts Center in Taiwan, and Lolita Office Building in Spain. Color photos, images, illustrations, and plans are provided throughout." --Eithne O'Leyne, Editor, Ringgold, Inc. ProtoView