Mass Identity Architecture: Architectural Writings of Jean Baudrillard - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470027150 ISBN 13: 9780470027158

Publisher: Academy Press, 2006

Synopsis

This new edition further explores the connection between the cultural analysis provided by the contemporary philosopher Jean Baudrillard and the new 'star' of global culture - architecture.


In a world in which images have become a substitute for reality - i.e. simulacra capable of both stimulating and satisfying collective needs - the question arises as to whether architecture could be seen as a 'super-fetish', capable of both mirroring and shaping western society's culture and identity.

The aim of this book is thus to provide new methodologies and to suggest new meanings for the comprehension and development of contemporary architecture. In Baudrillard's terms, architecture could be seen as the supreme medium of contemporary visual culture, especially in its potential to influence the individual's perception of reality as a component of the mass-media system. This kind of cultural analysis of the built environment and its effect on everyday life is still a relatively new phenomenon - both in the fields of critical theory and even more so in mainstream architectural criticism.

This book, which forms a significant resource on the work of an immensely important writer, should appeal to a wide range of readers. Through highly evocative writing, it provides a theoretical, illuminating pathway for everyone who, either directly or indirectly, is involved or interested in architecture, urbanism and related subjects.

About this title

About the Author

FRANCESCO PROTO, architect, is currently teaching at the postgraduate School of Critical Theory and the School of the Built Environment at the University of Nottingham, UK.

From the Back Cover

This new edition further explores the connection between the cultural analysis provided by the contemporary philosopher Jean Baudrillard and the new ‘star’ of global culture – architecture.

In a world in which images have become a substitute for reality – i.e. simulacra capable of both stimulating and satisfying collective needs – the question arises as to whether architecture could be seen as a ‘super-fetish’, capable of both mirroring and shaping western society’s culture and identity.

The aim of this book is thus to provide new methodologies and to suggest new meanings for the comprehension and development of contemporary architecture. In Baudrillard’s terms, architecture could be seen as the supreme medium of contemporary visual culture, especially in its potential to influence the individual’s perception of reality as a component of the mass-media system. This kind of cultural analysis of the built environment and its effect on everyday life is still a relatively new phenomenon – both in the fields of critical theory and even more so in mainstream architectural criticism.

This book, which forms a significant resource on the work of an immensely important writer, should appeal to a wide range of readers. Through highly evocative writing, it provides a theoretical, illuminating pathway for everyone who, either directly or indirectly, is involved or interested in architecture, urbanism and related subjects.

In a world in which images have become a substitute for reality – i.e. simulacra capable of both stimulating and satisfying collective needs – the question arises as to whether architecture could be seen as a ‘super-fetish’, capable of both mirroring and shaping western society’s culture and identity.

The aim of this book is thus to provide new methodologies and to suggest new meanings for the comprehension and development of contemporary architecture. In Baudrillard’s terms, architecture could be seen as the supreme medium of contemporary visual culture, especially in its potential to influence the individual’s perception of reality as a component of the mass-media system. This kind of cultural analysis of the built environment and its effect on everyday life is still a relatively new phenomenon – both in the fields of critical theory and even more so in mainstream architectural criticism.

This book, which forms a significant resource on the work of an immensely important writer, should appeal to a wide range of readers. Through highly evocative writing, it provides a theoretical, illuminating pathway for everyone who, either directly or indirectly, is involved or interested in architecture, urbanism and related subjects.

Edition details

• Publisher: Academy Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0470027150
• ISBN 13: 9780470027158
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 206
• Editor: Proto Francesco