All

Flat or pitched – as recently as twenty years ago, an architect’s response to this question was virtually a profession of faith.

What effects will the international economic crisis ultimately have on architecture and the building industry?

What exactly is architecture? Aaron Betsky poses this profound question as curator of this year’s 11th Architecture Biennale in Venice.

Mostly its material defines the facade of a building. The return of ornaments is more prominent through façades.

In his interview with Detail, the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei declares, “I feel an obligation to stand up for the oppressed.”

There are many different elements to the concept of simplicity in building, of course.

Whether in the form of translucent sheets, membranes spanning large distances, air-filled cushions or as organic, curvilinear space structures.

The challenge and potential of internal spaces are extremely perse.