The Architecture of Ralph Erskine (Granada, 1982) by Peter Collymore gives a thorough introduction to Erskine’s original architecture and its development.
Many have argued for participation planning and attention to user needs in contemporary architecture, but few have practised theses as honestly and as successfully as Ralph Erskine. In Britain, his Byker development at Newcastle typifies his commitment to involve those who are to use and live in his buildings, and this same concern characterises Erskine’s other housing developments in Britain, Sweden, the Canadian Arctic and elsewhere. Similarly, at a time when architects are under pressure to maximise resources Erskine does not simply pay lip service to conservation. He enjoys the challenge of having to make the most of local building resources and labour.
From the start of his buildings in Sweden were distinguished by their functional response to climate and environment and he has made a special study of designing for cold climates. His buildings in the Swedish north and above the Arctic Circle maximise local and natural resources, whilst reducing as far as possible the physical and psychological effects of the severe climate. Ralph Erskine carries through his personal beliefs into his architecture with sincerity and conviction. At the same time, a rejection of pomposity and a highly personal architecture ensure that his buildings are never patronising or mundane.
– Peter Collymore, The Architecture of Ralph Erskine (Granada, 1982), excerpt from the book description
The text is in English. The book is richly illustrated with black-and-white photographs b&w photos and architectural drawings.
Our copy in stock is in good condition. The pages are clean, no markings. The binding is fine. The dust jacket shows only some slight edge wear, and there’s a small tear on its spine.