Construct introduces a new category of architecture and engineering in our cities. These structures are highly visible yet often ignored, large-scale and built without traditional designers. They are characterised by substantial technical innovation and expertise, embedded in the everyday lives of thousands of urban citizens, and serve as embodiments of cultural and political meanings. These constructions represent an overlooked but significant aspect of our urban landscape, combining technical advancement with cultural significance despite their often anonymous design origins.
The opening chapter introduces "Construct" as an architectural, academic and methodological concept, including its interdisciplinary approach combining history, critical theory, ethnography and visual studies. Six independent chapters then explore specific recent manifestations around the world - the Øresund bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö, tower cranes in Dubai, Shibuya pedestrian intersection in Tokyo, Venice skatepark in Los Angeles, Limehouse Link tunnel in London and the Singapore Flyer observation wheel in Singapore. Each is interpreted in its own context and as a manifestation of its shared architectural typology worldwide.
Construct will appeal to those interested in the architecture, urbanism and experience of contemporary cities worldwide, and particularly those working in the fields of architecture, media studies, planning, sociology and urban geography.
| ISBN: | 9781032859866 |
| Publication date: | 9th December 2025 |
| Author: | Iain Borden |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 298 pages |
| Series: | Routledge Research in Architecture |
| Genres: |
History of architecture Media studies Urban communities Social and cultural history Human geography Theory of architecture Civil engineering, surveying and building Interdisciplinary studies Philosophy |
Construct introduces a new category of architecture and engineering in our cities. These structures are highly visible yet often ignored, large-scale and built without traditional designers. They are characterised by substantial technical innovation and expertise, embedded in the everyday lives of thousands of urban citizens, and serve as embodiments of cultural and political meanings. These constructions represent an overlooked but significant aspect of our urban landscape, combining technical advancement with cultural significance despite their often anonymous design origins.
The opening chapter introduces "Construct" as an architectural, academic and methodological concept, including its interdisciplinary approach combining history, critical theory, ethnography and visual studies. Six independent chapters then explore specific recent manifestations around the world - the Øresund bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö, tower cranes in Dubai, Shibuya pedestrian intersection in Tokyo, Venice skatepark in Los Angeles, Limehouse Link tunnel in London and the Singapore Flyer observation wheel in Singapore. Each is interpreted in its own context and as a manifestation of its shared architectural typology worldwide.
Construct will appeal to those interested in the architecture, urbanism and experience of contemporary cities worldwide, and particularly those working in the fields of architecture, media studies, planning, sociology and urban geography.
Construct features in the following genres: History of architecture, Media studies, Urban communities, Social and cultural history, Human geography, Theory of architecture, Civil engineering, surveying and building, Interdisciplinary studies, Philosophy
Construct is available in Hardback
Construct was written by Iain Borden and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
Construct has 298 pages
Yes it is part of Routledge Research in Architecture series
£139.50