Chapter 1: The Nature of Precedents
* Definition of precedents: Design solutions that have been used successfully in the past and are considered valid for new situations.
* Importance of precedents: Provide inspiration, guidance, and a framework for solving design problems.
* Example: The Pantheon in Rome, built in 126 AD, established the concept of the dome as a symbol of power and monumentality.
Chapter 2: The Precedent Archive
* Significance of a precedent archive: A collection of exemplary design solutions that can be accessed and studied.
* Types of archives: Physical (e.g., libraries, museums) and digital (e.g., online databases, websites).
* Example: The Architectural Index, an online archive with over 60,000 images and plans of significant buildings.
Chapter 3: Finding and Analyzing Precedents
* Techniques for finding precedents: Literature searches, online databases, site visits, and consultations with experts.
* Importance of critical analysis: Identifying the key design principles, materiality, and spatial qualities of precedents.
* Example: Analyzing the Guggenheim Museum in New York City to understand the concept of the open and flexible floor plan.
Chapter 4: Precedents and Design Thinking
* Role of precedents in the design process: Inspiration, problem-solving, and testing solutions.
* Creative adaptation: Using precedents as starting points for new and innovative designs.
* Example: The Serpentine Pavilion, a temporary structure in London that explores different spatial concepts and materials in response to its site.
Chapter 5: Ethical and Environmental Considerations
* Ethical implications of using precedents: Respect for originality and copyright, avoiding plagiarism.
* Environmental responsibility: Selecting precedents that promote sustainable design practices and minimize environmental impact.
* Example: The Eden Project in Cornwall, England, which uses precedents from greenhouses to create a biosphere that replicates different global climates.
Chapter 6: Precedents in Contemporary Architecture
* Continued relevance of precedents in modern design: As a source of inspiration and a way to connect with history and context.
* Examples:
* The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which draws inspiration from Islamic architecture and traditional wind towers.
* The Sydney Opera House, which incorporates the concept of "sheltering" from pre-colonial architecture of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.
Chapter 7: The Future of Precedents
* Importance of preserving and expanding precedent archives for future generations.
* Role of digital technology in making precedents more accessible and enabling innovative design solutions.
* Example: The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create parametric models that allow for the flexible adaptation of precedents.
