Research and Design: the Architecture of Variation

A detailed examination of the hottest areas of architectural design today.

Over the past decade, digital tools have radically transformed the design, practice, and construction of architecture. But behind the photorealistic renderings of projects that are never built is an entire body of design research that informs the latest innovations in design and construction.

Edited by a pioneer of the digital revolution, this new book takes its cue from the practice of mass-customization, one of the most important design and retail trends of recent years, to consider how variations on the same design idea can be applied to a broad spectrum of architectural, engineering, and construction solutions.

The book has three parts: a group of essays by leading thinkers on design; comparative studies on variation; and case studies. Full of ideas, examples, and current research, this exciting new publication is well-priced for students but sophisticated enough for professionals. 500 b&w Illustrations

Lars Spuybroek is Principal of the experimental architecture studio NOX, based in Rotterdam, and holds the Thomas W. Ventulett III Distinguished Chair in Architectural Design at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.