On Architecture and the Construction Industry

This fourth volume in the Political Economy of Space series sheds light on the often invisible actors who bring architecture into the world: clients, developers, and contractors. By examining the agendas of speculative development, real estate, and contracting, the book shows how architecture is shaped by managerial processes and financial mechanisms as much as by design intent. Rather than lamenting architecture's lack of autonomy, the contributions identify spaces of freedom and resistance where architects can pursue social and environmental agendas by engaging more directly with the powers that shape the built environment. Featuring contributions by Davide Spina, Sara Stevens, Tiffanie Paré, and Irene Brisson.