As early as 1962, John Habraken had discovered that mass housing was based on two incorrect principles: 1) all people want the same thing; and 2) professionals know what is good for them. The reality is that no two people have the same preferences, and their wishes and possibilities are constantly changing. Based on life-time experiences, John and Stephen Kendall discuss in this book the interaction between those people - in their homes, office, schools and healthcare centers - and the built environment and who should decide on it.
Frank Bijdendijk, Former Managing Director of the Housing Association Het Oosten (later Stadgemoot), Amsterdam; Founder and President of the National Renovation Platform; Board of Inspiration, Re-Born - Circular Real Estate
This book offers a good opportunity for architects to quickly know what's happening in Open Building practice in different contexts all over the world. The book reflects the impact the Open Building approach can have on the relationship among architects, developers and occupants in the whole life of buildings. This reflection should inspire and encourage architects to rethink and practice in a more empathic and sustainable perspective.
Liu Peng, Chief Architect, Senior Architect, First Grade, Beijing Institute of Architectural Design
This is an extremely useful book that is both theoretical and practical and both for the developed and the developing world. It opens discourses on wicked questions of top-down vs. bottom-up approaches, architecture as a product vs. process, architects' control over built form, and straddling the past and the future. A truly one-of-its-kind book.
Vishwanath Kashikar, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India