The Innovation Imperative

The pressure to innovate has become pervasive. Both inside and
outside the architectural profession we are increasingly pressed by
the quest for the new; by an innovation imperative. But what does
'innovation' really mean for architecture?
Predominantly framed in terms of technological invention, economics
and consumption, the notion of innovation is often problematically
applied to the arts. Design and creativity are widely considered as
drivers within innovation economies, but how can architects
understand and approach the imperative to innovate meaningfully,
ethically and on their own terms? Suggesting a process that is
fundamentally emergent, collective and environmentally situated,
The Innovation Imperative explores architectural innovation
in terms of the production of vitality. Emphasising attention to
ways of doing as key to innovation, this title of AD brings
together historical perspectives with a range of leading
provocative, emerging approaches to architectural practice that
together offer fresh insight into the often vague and ubiquitous
atmospheres of innovation-speak. Ultimately, this issue asks
how an emphasis on vitality might offer a more nuanced
understanding of the aesthetic value and ethical know-how
intertwined within innovative architectural endeavour.

* Contributors include: Mario Carpo, Oron Catts and Ionat Zurr,
Jondi Keane, Brian Massumi, Leon van Schaik, Michael Weinstock, and
Gretchen Wilkins and Liam Young.

* Featured architects and designers include: Arakawa and Gins,
Eva Franch i Gilabert, Greg Lynn, MOS (Michael Meredith and Hilary
Sample), Francois Roche, Veronika Valk and Vergelabs.