Three chapters in, and I'm already adding it to cart.

Each chapter is inspired by a verb and from there, tackles a very specific topic that makes an interesting discussion, such as ‘Should architecture be considered as art or function?’,

It contains interesting essays. However, for those who do not have much knowledge of architecture (like myself), it’s lacking in images and providing some basics. Every new chapter introduces new architects and buildings like Capital Gate, Isozaki’s Museum of Mankind, and more, which I’d enjoy the book a lot more if I had pictures than having to search up every other page.

While I may not be this book's audience, I can also see the relevance to other fields like advertising. It's critiques of the world of architecture and capitalism offer much food for thought, but no solution, Instead, I believe it's meant for the readers to figure out what type of architect/ creator they want to be.

The Hidden Rules of Architecture: how to build world-class, award winning, creative, innovative, sustainable, liveable and beautiful spaces that foster a sense of place and well being.

I missed the date to finish reading this book and it was archived and I’m unable to write a proper review at this time. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Curious about the book because of its title and cover, I was unprepared for the depth and scope of the discussion Reiner De Graaf leads through “architect, verb.” It is truly a fascinating book from start to finish. Establishing itself with history (if broad knowledge isn’t your thing, don’t let this opening put you off), it is full of facts I was entirely unaware of about building communities around the world in the past.

Upon the foundation of what has and hasn’t worked, De Graaf moves on to define key concepts that architecture and community design influence directly such as placemaking and the modern community requirements introducing new and exciting ways we can improve lives in creative and sustainable ways. I love the concept of selling “well-being” as part of the architectural concept, and the exploration in the book is great food for thought.

“… placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value.1 Placemaking is a core value of sustainability. Maintaining liveable urban environments is essential to protecting natural resources and the landscape from further destruction.…Placemaking is the process of reconnecting people to place and creating meaningful and connected communities for people to thrive in.5 Placemaking always begins with the community and the users.”

The book also succinctly and objectively identifies and explores what has failed to improve community, what should be avoided going forward, and the pitfalls of some of the innovations.

“Seattle currently counts as the third most gentrified city in the US, where rising property values and rents increasingly push original residents out of their neighbourhoods and a movement for rent control is enjoying increasing support. More and more often, the third way simply proves a front for the old ways.”
A favourite for me throughout is the theme of inclusion and true community. The unpacking of what Carehaus, for example, works and can be imitated is inspiring.

“Tolerance attracts talent; talent, in turn, is the crucial basis for the emergence of new creative technologies.”
If you are looking for a thought-provoking and uplifting read, this is for you! I highly recommend it, five out of five on the enJOYment scale!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Verso Books (US) through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This one started off intense and I was pretty prepared for a soapbox rant, but it tuned out to be pretty tongue-in-cheek hilarious. The glossary at the end had me rolling on the floor. I imagine there will be a number of people who will feel directly criticized by the content but I think it's an important point to make that concepts tend to be foisted off on architects that they then just try to respond to, rather than placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of "talent" (or lack thereof). Really fun book with a lot of food for thought.