The Spirit of the Machine: Technology as an Inspiration in Architectural Design

This book examines the influence that science and industry has had in the inspiration of design, with particular emphasis on the field of architecture. Using case studies, it explores the expression of technology in all areas of the built and manufactured environment concentrating on current and future developments, and their exponents.
* Speculates about a new design approach that explores innovative and alternative technologies

* Compares the technological design work of engineers and scientists with architects

* Relates experiments with architectural form and structure, technology transfer and ecologically aware design strategies to human requirements and ambitions

ROBERT KRONENBURG is an architect and senior lecturer in the School of Architecture and Building Engineering at the University of Liverpool, UK. A Fulbright fellow, he has been a guest lecturer at universities across Europe and the USA. He has contributed to a range of programmes for BBC Radio, and has written for Architectural Design, The Architects' Journal, Building Design and Fabrics Architecture. His books include Houses in Motion (Wiley-Academy, 1995; 2nd Edition, 2002), FTL: Softness Movement and Light (Wiley-Academy, 1997) and Portable Architecture (Architectural Press, 2000), and he is editor of Transportable Environments (E & FN Spon/Routledge, 1998). In 1998 he was curator of the major exhibition 'Portable Architecture' held at the RIBA architecture centre, London, UK, and of the touring exhibition 'Spontaneous Construction'.