,Acceleration
Introduction: Why architectural theory matters
Architectural theory
This field of study serves as a critical framework that helps architects understand the underlying purpose
and societal impact of their practical work. It establishes quality standards and situates architectural
design within broader social, cultural, political, and ecological contexts.
A world in transition
The Limits to Growth (1972)
This influential report published by the Club of Rome used scientific research to demonstrate that infinite
industrial and population growth is impossible on a finite planet. It warned that maintaining current
growth trends would eventually lead to a total collapse of both the environment and human society.
Club of Rome
This organization was founded by Peccei and King to provide a multidisciplinary platform where experts
could address global, long-term challenges. Their mission is to think beyond immediate national interests
and short-term economic goals to ensure the future stability of the world.
Short-term mindset gap
This concept identifies the disconnect between global, long-term crises like climate change and the local,
immediate scale on which most human decisions are made. This structural gap explains why modern
societies often struggle to respond effectively and responsibly to environmental challenges.
Growing environmental awareness (1960s – 1970s)
Silent Spring
Written by Rachel Carson, this seminal book played a foundational role in the environmental movement
by exposing the dangers of pollution and industrial farming. It sparked a surge in public awareness that
led to significant environmental legislation and the rise of ecological activism.
The Population Bomb
This influential work by Paul Ehrlich warned about the potential environmental and social catastrophes
2
,resulting from global overpopulation. Along with other contemporary literature, it contributed to a
growing sense of urgency regarding the planet's limited carrying capacity.
Greenpeace
This organization originated from a small group of activists who used direct action, such as sailing a boat
toward a nuclear test site, to protest environmental destruction. Their actions gained massive media
attention and successfully linked environmental protection to broader social justice movements.
Oil crisis of 1973
This global event demonstrated the extreme dependency of modern industrial society on fossil fuels and
prompted a search for alternative energy sources. It led architects to experiment with new types of low-
energy housing and sparked interest in renewable technologies like solar power.
Jimmy Carter (Environmental efforts)
As President, he symbolized growing environmental awareness by installing solar panels on the White
House and supporting research into climate adaptation. He proposed that solar energy could either be a
missed opportunity or a central element in a major societal transformation.
Criticism, denial and political tension
Brundtland Report
This significant document introduced the concept of sustainable development to the international
political agenda during the 1980s. It focused on creating a balance where the needs of the present are
met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable development
This principle aims to reconcile economic progress with environmental responsibility through long-term
ecological planning. While it became a widely accepted goal, its implementation was often hindered by
political resistance and a lack of binding international agreements.
Architecture in the age of acceleration
Lode Janssens – Balloon House (1973 – 1982)
This experimental residence featured a transparent PVC dome kept upright by air pressure, blending
high-tech materials with primitive living concepts. By creating separate insulated units within an
unheated dome, it explored new ways of living in close connection with the surrounding natural
environment.
3
, Benthem Crouwel – Hardened Glass House (1983 – 1984)
Designed as a temporary and removable structure, this house used a prefabricated metal space-frame
and tension cables to minimize material use. The project served as a real-life experiment in precision
engineering and high-tech architectural solutions that respect ecological limits.
Lacaton & Vassal – Maison Latapie (1992 – 1993)
This project focuses on providing spatial comfort through simple, low-cost structures like a winter garden
that adapt to the changing seasons. It demonstrates that high-quality living spaces do not require
expensive technology, but rather smart design and flexible environmental zones.
Lacaton & Vassal – Place Léon Aucoc (1996)
In this project, the architects famously decided not to redesign a public square after concluding that the
existing space already functioned perfectly. This choice highlights an architectural philosophy that values
maintenance and minimal intervention over unnecessary new construction.
Architecture in the Anthropocene
Anthropocene
This term describes a new geological epoch where human activity has become the dominant influence
on the Earth's climate and ecosystems. It serves as a critical framework for architects to consider the
massive environmental impact of human civilization and the built environment.
Roman Krznaric – The good ancestor
Geoengineering
This refers to large-scale interventions in the Earth’s natural systems intended to counteract the effects
of climate change. The text warns that these solutions often reflect the interests of patriarchal and
colonialist powers, risking the repetition of historical environmental injustices.
Capitalocene
This term is proposed as an alternative to the Anthropocene to identify capitalism and industrial systems
as the primary drivers of environmental destruction. By using this shift in terminology, climate change is
understood as a structural problem involving power, inequality, and specific economic systems.
Roman Krznaric
He is a philosopher who introduced the idea of long-term thinking as a solution to the modern focus on
short-term comfort. His work encourages society to consider the impact of current decisions on people
4
Introduction: Why architectural theory matters
Architectural theory
This field of study serves as a critical framework that helps architects understand the underlying purpose
and societal impact of their practical work. It establishes quality standards and situates architectural
design within broader social, cultural, political, and ecological contexts.
A world in transition
The Limits to Growth (1972)
This influential report published by the Club of Rome used scientific research to demonstrate that infinite
industrial and population growth is impossible on a finite planet. It warned that maintaining current
growth trends would eventually lead to a total collapse of both the environment and human society.
Club of Rome
This organization was founded by Peccei and King to provide a multidisciplinary platform where experts
could address global, long-term challenges. Their mission is to think beyond immediate national interests
and short-term economic goals to ensure the future stability of the world.
Short-term mindset gap
This concept identifies the disconnect between global, long-term crises like climate change and the local,
immediate scale on which most human decisions are made. This structural gap explains why modern
societies often struggle to respond effectively and responsibly to environmental challenges.
Growing environmental awareness (1960s – 1970s)
Silent Spring
Written by Rachel Carson, this seminal book played a foundational role in the environmental movement
by exposing the dangers of pollution and industrial farming. It sparked a surge in public awareness that
led to significant environmental legislation and the rise of ecological activism.
The Population Bomb
This influential work by Paul Ehrlich warned about the potential environmental and social catastrophes
2
,resulting from global overpopulation. Along with other contemporary literature, it contributed to a
growing sense of urgency regarding the planet's limited carrying capacity.
Greenpeace
This organization originated from a small group of activists who used direct action, such as sailing a boat
toward a nuclear test site, to protest environmental destruction. Their actions gained massive media
attention and successfully linked environmental protection to broader social justice movements.
Oil crisis of 1973
This global event demonstrated the extreme dependency of modern industrial society on fossil fuels and
prompted a search for alternative energy sources. It led architects to experiment with new types of low-
energy housing and sparked interest in renewable technologies like solar power.
Jimmy Carter (Environmental efforts)
As President, he symbolized growing environmental awareness by installing solar panels on the White
House and supporting research into climate adaptation. He proposed that solar energy could either be a
missed opportunity or a central element in a major societal transformation.
Criticism, denial and political tension
Brundtland Report
This significant document introduced the concept of sustainable development to the international
political agenda during the 1980s. It focused on creating a balance where the needs of the present are
met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable development
This principle aims to reconcile economic progress with environmental responsibility through long-term
ecological planning. While it became a widely accepted goal, its implementation was often hindered by
political resistance and a lack of binding international agreements.
Architecture in the age of acceleration
Lode Janssens – Balloon House (1973 – 1982)
This experimental residence featured a transparent PVC dome kept upright by air pressure, blending
high-tech materials with primitive living concepts. By creating separate insulated units within an
unheated dome, it explored new ways of living in close connection with the surrounding natural
environment.
3
, Benthem Crouwel – Hardened Glass House (1983 – 1984)
Designed as a temporary and removable structure, this house used a prefabricated metal space-frame
and tension cables to minimize material use. The project served as a real-life experiment in precision
engineering and high-tech architectural solutions that respect ecological limits.
Lacaton & Vassal – Maison Latapie (1992 – 1993)
This project focuses on providing spatial comfort through simple, low-cost structures like a winter garden
that adapt to the changing seasons. It demonstrates that high-quality living spaces do not require
expensive technology, but rather smart design and flexible environmental zones.
Lacaton & Vassal – Place Léon Aucoc (1996)
In this project, the architects famously decided not to redesign a public square after concluding that the
existing space already functioned perfectly. This choice highlights an architectural philosophy that values
maintenance and minimal intervention over unnecessary new construction.
Architecture in the Anthropocene
Anthropocene
This term describes a new geological epoch where human activity has become the dominant influence
on the Earth's climate and ecosystems. It serves as a critical framework for architects to consider the
massive environmental impact of human civilization and the built environment.
Roman Krznaric – The good ancestor
Geoengineering
This refers to large-scale interventions in the Earth’s natural systems intended to counteract the effects
of climate change. The text warns that these solutions often reflect the interests of patriarchal and
colonialist powers, risking the repetition of historical environmental injustices.
Capitalocene
This term is proposed as an alternative to the Anthropocene to identify capitalism and industrial systems
as the primary drivers of environmental destruction. By using this shift in terminology, climate change is
understood as a structural problem involving power, inequality, and specific economic systems.
Roman Krznaric
He is a philosopher who introduced the idea of long-term thinking as a solution to the modern focus on
short-term comfort. His work encourages society to consider the impact of current decisions on people
4
