Free Space Architecture

With contributions from a diverse selection of participants, the main theme of this issue is taken from the proceedings of the International Forum on "the Venice Biennale and the Architecture of Pluralism" held at the Royal Academy of Arts. Along with an explanation of the organization behind the Fifth Architecture Biennale, given by Francesco Dal Co, James Stirling talks about his Electa Bookshop in the Castello Gardens, possibly the highlight of the Biennale, whilst launching an attack on the journalistic profession. Martin Pawley defends his position, Rob Krier criticises pluralism today as it leaves his students without direction and Lebbeus Woods calls for a freeing of the mind throughout all walks of life. Chaired by "Building Design" Editor Paul Finch, other contributors include Peter Cook, Botond Bognar, Jeremy Dixon, Geoffrey Broadbent and Richard McCormac. In the light of a new wave of free thinkers, recently emerged within the architectural world, "Architectural Design" explores the notion of Free Space Architecture focusing specially on the work of Lebbeus Woods whose theoretical contributions are beginning to have a major impact.
Two recent projects from Zaha Hadid are extensively featured, the Vitra Fire Station and the Media Park in Dusseldorf, as well as Japanese work in the essay "Critical Intentions in Pluralistic Japanese Architecture" by Botond Bognar. At the centre of the Free Space architecture is a fascination with form and space. The tyranny of the right angle and all immutable geometries have been abolished. Free Space architecture is about the end of certainties.