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September 14, 2004
Architectural Knowledge: The Idea of a Profession
| Title | Architectural Knowledge: The Idea of a Profession |  |
| Author | Francis Duffy with Les Hutton | |
| Publisher | E& FN Spon, London | |
| Date | ||
| ISBN | 0 419 21000 8 | |
| Reviewed by | John Thackara | |
| What is a profession actually for? In this book, Francis Duffy argues that its main function is the stewardship of intellectual property which he calls "architectural knowledge". This stewardship, he believes, has been responsible for the success of British architecture in the last three decades — a period of time spanned by the essays in his book. According to him, architectural knowledge resides in three elements: the ability to design, the understanding of how user requirements affect design and the capacity to lead the procurement and construction processes. Through these elements, architecture can be responsive to social interests, but is also shaped by values with a longer time-frame and, perhaps, loftier goals. | ||
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Posted by Books Editor at September 14, 2004 09:33 PM