Prototyping architecture

Prototyping Architecture explores the importance of prototypes in the delivery of high quality contemporary architecture - performative architecture that is inventive, purposeful and beautiful. The book brings together the work of architects, engineers, manufacturers, product designers, research teams, and artists, sourced from around the world. Placing a particular emphasis on research and experimentation, this book shows how prototyping can inform architecture with maquettes, models and full-scale trial assemblies. The importance of prototyping within architecture to achieve high quality construction is also examined. Essays by international leaders in contemporary architectural prototyping and design are included. The book documents the exhibition Prototyping Architecture, which was inaugurated at Wolfson Hall, University of Nottingham, 2012, and then shown at the London Building Centre Gallery, 2013, where it was accompanied by the international conference Prototyping Architecture. The final stage of the exhibition is at Design at Riverside Gallery and University of Waterloo, 2013 for the ACADIA 2013 Adaptive Architecture international conference, Cambridge, Ontario.

Michael Stacey is Chair in Architecture and Director of Architecture at the University of Nottingham.