Internal: Developing Informed Architectural Languages

As the number and distinctiveness of design directions in contemporary architecture expands, an outcome has emerged of a contradictory nature. While many of these directions hold great intrigue, a troubling aspect arises in that in their realization an “incompleteness” is often exhibited, one expressing a less developed architectural richness often expressed in an under-utilized nature of the architectural language itself.

Internal addresses this issue with a focus on topics that underly the creation of architectural languages. Concentrating on strategies and concepts that inform the creation of cohering architectural languages versus “external” factors affecting design, such as those necessary to accommodate site or program, Internal focuses on design considerations incorporating the authority grounded in “internal” language-based architectural issues. Identifying underlying themes and strategies necessary to create coherent and informed architectural languages constitutes the effort underlying this book.

Featuring:
Brian MacKay-Lyons
MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Ltd | Hill House
John Patkau
Patkau Architects | Strawberry Vale Elementary School
Tom Kundig
Olson Kundig Architects | Chicken Point Cabin
Thom Mayne
Morphosis | Caltrans District 7 Headquarters
Neal Denari
NMDA―Neil M. Denari Architects, Inc. | Alan-Voo Residence Addition
Enrique Norten
Ten/Arquitectos | National School of Theater
Eric Owen Moss
Eric Owen Moss Architects | Samitaur Tower
Tod Williams and Billie Tsien
Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects Partners | American Folk Art Museum

Tom Diehl is an associate professor of architecture at the Gerald. D. Hines College of Architecture and Design at the University of Houston where he has taught for over 40 years. He is a registered architect with a professional practice in Houston, Texas.