The detail is dead - long live the detail!

Anne Beim (Author and editor), Ulrik Stylsvig Madsen (Editor), Simon Sköld (Author and editor), Steen Nepper Larsen, Kim Dalgaard, Vencent Kerstens, Horst Günther, Pil Thielst, Marcel Boliw, Ulrich Knaack, Stig Mikkelsen, Vibeke Grupe Larsen, Odilo Schoch

Publications: Book / Anthology / Thesis / ReportAnthologyCommunication

Abstract

The details of architecture often speak their clear language.
They reflect an understanding of the world, an economy, an aesthetic will - as they show a knowledge of materials, building physics and perceptory means. Thus, details are important and have directed great movements or led to new architecture when we look into architectural history. Too classic examples are; Adolf Loos who provoked already in 1908 with his statement; "Ornament and Crime", which contested the unconscious decorations of contemporary architects. Similarly, referring to the little need for superfluous detailing; "Less is more", dictated by Mies van der Rohe in 1947 summed up his quest for a minimalist appearance, and it lead to a refined and precisely articulated expression in his architecture. Today, manifestoes are not written in the same way regarding the importance of the detail in architecture. But, it does not change the fact that it is more important than ever to bring this 'small' architectural world to attention. Today, the construction industry is dictated by an economic management that does not leave much room for thorough studies of architectural details or visionary experiments. Today's more efficient industrialized construction processes primarily seek to eliminate a possible emergence of a new detail world - there is neither time nor advice - and architectural details are not considered necessary or essential.
In May 2017, CINARK collaborated with VELUX Visiting Professor, Ulrich Knaack, from the TU_Delft about the Symposium; "The Detail is Dead - Long Live the Detail". For this occasion a number of leading Danish and Northern European architects, researchers and companies were invited to discuss and suggest their 'architectural detail' and the challenges they face in today's construction. This book present these discussions.
Translated title of the contributionDetaljen er død - detaljen længe leve!
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationKøbenhavn
PublisherCINARK (Kunstakademiets Arkitektskole)
Edition1
Number of pages112
ISBN (Print)9788778309792
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • details
  • building construction
  • building culture
  • Tectonics
  • building technology
  • sustainability, salvageability, reuse, design for dissambly
  • sustainability
  • prefabrication
  • system thinking

Artistic research

  • No

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