Mecanoo—Experimental Pragmatism

Founded in Delft in 1984 as a collective for public-housing design, the Mecanoo studio has developed into one of the most significant entities on both the Dutch and international architecture scene. Under the guidance of partners Francine Houben, Henk Doll, Michel Tombal, and Aart Fransen, Mecanoo has developed a personal revision of the modernist approach to architecture, applying experimental design and urbanistic innovations to their projects. The book examines 24 buildings and projects that illustrate Mecanoo's contribution to the creation of new types of collective residences-those geared toward integrating functions other than those of mere living within the home. This extensively illustrated presentation vividly conveys the experimental and functional aspects of Mecanoo's unique vision and offers an affordable introduction to their work.

Pietro Valle is an architect and lecturer on the faculty of architecture in Ferrara. He has lectured as a visiting professor in several U.S. schools including Syracuse University, New York. He is a contributor of Arch.it, Domus, Juliet and Ottagono.