This book examines the interrelationship of representational methods and material systems as fundamental drivers of the design process. Identifying four primary categories of representational logics - point, line, surface, mass - each category is illustrated through four precedent projects that deploy iterative material sensibilities. As a collection, this text provides a comprehensive categorization of the architectural design process.

Through the comprehensive definition of categorical typologies, it illustrates the collective capability of this conceptual methodology. By unpacking projects through their specific design devices, the collective analysis reveals the impact of material techniques and methods of representation as a generative tool. Broad in scope, it identifies and uniformly analyses some of the most significant projects from the last century, including:



UK Pavilion Shanghai - Heatherwick Studio, Shanghai,China
Gatehouse - Office dA, Beijing, China
Maison Colonial - Jean Prouve, France/Africa
de Young Museum - Herzog and de Meuron, California USA
Montreal Expo 67 - Buckminster Fuller, Montreal, Canada
Jean Marie Tjibou Cultural Center – RPBW, Noumea, Indonesia
House III - Peter Eisenman, New York, USA
Barcelona Pavilion - Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona, Spain
Tel Aviv - Scott Cohen, Tel Aviv, Israel
Los Manantiales - Felix Candella, Mexico City, Mexico
Yokahama Terminal – FOA, Yokahama, Japan
Pantheon, Rome, Italy
Tres Grand Bibliotheque - Rem Koolhaas, OMA, Paris, France
Brother Claus Field Chapel - Peter Zumthor, Switzerland
Embryonic House- Greg Lynn

Richly illustrated with consistent, clear and precise line drawings, the book presents a series of iconic precedents through a unique analytical and graphic sensibility.