Review_Atlas of Novel Tectonics

Atlas of Novel Tectonics by New York base architects Jesse Reiser and Nanako Umemoto published in 2006 was a research project supported by grants from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, the Princeton University Committee on Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences, and the New York State Council for the Arts. Atlas in its literal terms means a bound collection of map, often including illustration, informative tables or textual matter. The book accumulates a series of maps of novel tectonics provoking the new architecture. The book is divided into three section named by foremost order of architecture: geometry, matter and operation. It addresses the intersections and interplay between architecture and culture across a series of 67 short, non-linear chapters or “documents” containing illustrations or diagrams with glossy tip-ins. The tip-in presents the project of Reiser+Umemoto as mutual reference with each document. “...it reclaims the autonomy of theoretical discourse in relation to built architecture. That alone makes it an event. Given such heroics would typically be the hallmark of a budding practice with no built work to get in the way…”[1] The design of book of Atlas of Novel Tectonics has been awarded: The Jan Tschichold Prize for Best Designed Swiss Books 2006 and The Gutenberg International Prize of Leipzig Goldletter - 1st Prize.

It proposes that architecture need not rely on historical references, but is capable of producing its own history. “History, merely as a form of consciousness, is not sufficient to give rise to the architectural project.”[2] Thanks to Aldo Rossi who defined the matter and the energy as a precondition of architecture, the book argues that architecture should through there intrinsic physical order, such as structure, material, construction logic, should establish new history. Each chapter in Atlas of Novel Tectonics functions as an argument, as well as a meditation on a particular topic, re-contextualizing it within the practice of architecture as a provocation to a wider culture. 

Here are some selective documents from the first chapter: Geometry

1.  Difference in Kind/Difference in Degree.

The first chapter addresses the issue of the difference on how the prescriptive model has departed so much from the model it emerged from that it translates itself into a difference in kind from difference in degree. The classical model -The Greek orders for instance - conveys a constraint of being fixated within its own identity like in the game of chess in which its pieces have a particular function and a range of moves within that particularity. Any transformation in this system can only be reflected in its kind. Difference in Degree in contrast, has no intrinsic meaning outside of its contextual relationship.  It is its relation to its neighbor that creates difference within the whole.  You can find zones within the overall that display different characteristics.  In the game of Go or Tension rods in meshwork, every piece is alike, but it is how they are formed together that creates the game or composes a space.

2.  Difference [Variety] Vs Self-similarity [Variation]

This chapter illustrates on how the sub systems of a larger structure are inherently different from each other but the system in large maintains its general coherence.  Behind even the most incoherent structures lies the coherence of building systems. In Architectural systems the separation, mono functionality of many individual elements is modulated with the system of construction or through other operations.

And through these non built projects drawn by Reiser+Umemoto gives a hint about how these spark can be more precisely used for architectural implement. It enriches the scope of architecture and as a pioneer to put the issue of computer age in advance.

[1] Legendre George, AA Files July (2007)

[2] Reiser, Jesse & Umemoto, Nanako, Atlas of Novel Tectonics (Princeton: Princeton Architectural Press, 2006)

Kurt and Naj