Lefebvre for Architects

Reviews / Votes

'Henri Lefebvre is one of the most important and influential theorists of spatiality in our time: his work has been formative in many scholarly fields and in the ongoing project of progressive political change. Nathaniel Coleman, one of the leading contemporary scholars of architectural theory, does us all a tremendous service in bringing this study of Lefebvre into architectural discourse.' - Tom Moylan, Glucksman Professor Emeritus, School of Culture and Communication; Founding Director, Ralahine Centre for Utopian Studies; Adjunct Professor, School of Architecture; University of Limerick

'The almost tangible reality of space articulated through the rhythms of daily life and the enduring worth of much-maligned utopian thinking for the architect are two themes of Lefebvre's which Coleman has brilliantly brought to our attention.' - Joseph Rykwert, Paul Philippe Cret Professor Emeritus of Architecture and Professor of Art History, University of Pennsylvania, USA

'Lefebvre for Architects, written with verve and precision, serves as a fine introduction to Lefebvre's reflections on the city, space and everyday life. But it goes much further, challenging depoliticized readings of Lefebvre and a mainstream architectural practice dedicated to dreary functionality and neoliberal profit-making, thereby robbing urban spaces of vitality, richness and human possibility. Emphasizing Lefebvre's 'concrete utopianism', a specific method of sociocultural inquiry aligned with experimental practice, Coleman boldly invites us to be realistic, by demanding the impossible.' - Michael E. Gardiner, Professor of Sociology at The University of Western Ontario, Canada

'Nathaniel Coleman is a distinctive voice on architecture and Utopia. This excellent, clearly-written and accessible book on Lefebvre will be an important resource not just for the architects at whom it is principally directed. It brings social theory onto the streets, and will be invaluable for those working in utopian studies, sociology, geography and planning alike - and indeed anyone who is concerned with the interface of the built environment and social processes, both as they are and how they might be.' - Ruth Levitas, Emerita Professor of Sociology, University of Bristol, UK

'Nathaniel Coleman's firm, fluent style will help readers navigate the complexities of Lefebvre's thought with confidence. Rather than pulling Lefebvre's densely layered mode of working apart into easily digested, bulleted rules, he shows, rather than tells, how Lefebvre thinks like an architect, working through scenarios and going back to the drawing board again and again.' - Tim Waterman, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture, Writtle School of Design

'Coleman admirably demonstrates the contemporary relevance of Lefebvre's writing not only for practising architects, but also for anyone who is interested in critical thinking and socially engaged action. An important aspect of Lefebvre for Architects is the convincing affirmation of utopianism as an essential material for any alternative to corporate capitalism and commodity << culture >>. As such it is essential reading for all those involved in building the future.' - Diane Morgan, School of Fine Art, History of Art & Cultural Studies, University of Leeds