Publisher's Synopsis
Small Scale looks at the increasing density and limited availability of land in cities by identifying and using leftover urban spaces for small projects to enhance city living. These projects are eminently achievable: they usually donÆt require years of government oversight, and many are not prohibitively expensive. They do not require tremendous use of natural resources or whole-scale demolition and disposal of existing fabric, but instead, suggest solutions to the larger problem of energy consumption. Similar to how microloans made to individuals in developing countries can improve the socioeconomic conditions of entire communities, these micro interventions hold the potential for a macro effect on an entire city. More and more people are choosing to live and work in cities, seeking the stimulation and opportunity available only in an urban context. Smqll Scale contains case studies that present visionary yet simple solutions to specific needs inherent in contemporary urban life: places to walk dogs during the day, to store shared vehicles, to find reprieve from urban intrusions, and that offer common ground for social interaction. Cities can be made better and more livable by employing innovative thinking to create eminently do-able projects. The projects in this book provide resources and amenities in the spirit of the best ôstreet furnitureö from various cultures, reminding us that urban invention is not a new idea. The projects are collected from cities around the world, and come from both well-known and up-and-coming architects and artists. They cover a wide variety of uses, from an outdoor ôhookahö for smokers to a shadow-made art piece to a structure for day laborers to occupy while waiting for a job. Architects and artists featured in the book include Morphosis, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, La Dallmann, Studio Olafur Eliasson, Zaha Hadid Architects, and Bernard Tschumi.
