Experimental Structures: The Self-Powered Built Environment

by Peter Land, Nicolas Anderson, Matthew Berglund, Jac Selinsky Sanaz Saeedi Matthew Herman (Introduction)

This publication presents the work of Peter Land’s research based studios on Experimental Structures at the College of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology. The large format, soft-cover book features 105 projects created over a period of 18 years. From the “As global concern and competition intensifies over diminishing fossil fuel reserves, the need to conserve energy, develop renewable resources and more efficient ways to build continues to grow. In a rapidly urbanizing world these objectives must be considered a top priority. Therefore, an experimental approach to the design development of high-rise and wide-span structures, forms and energy systems should be promoted in the search for new ways forward in the planning and design of the future built environment. New ideas, materials and technologies have appeared in other fields, some of which have applications in building. Therefore, an ongoing reconnaissance of new developments in other fields and the transfer of technologies where appropriate should be considered standard policy for use in future planning and building. The 105 projects included in this book follow the objectives of this approach and reveal some fresh ideas and concepts which have opened-up new avenues that are being further developed. The projects incorporate a few of the wide-range of interesting new possibilities and ideas for high-rise and wide-span solutions. Some projects emphasize innovative structures, other energy systems and some ingenious ones combine both. The intention is to demonstrate that with new technologies and an inventive approach unique solutions for new challenges unfold.”

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Published January 1, 2018