Lives in Architecture - Peter Cook

Peter Cook has been a pivotal figure within the architecture world for over half a century. He first came to international renown in the 1960s as a founder of the radical, experimental group Archigram, winners of the 2002 RIBA Royal Gold Medal. He is also former Director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London, and Emeritus Professor and former Chair of the Bartlett School of Architecture (University College London). Suffused with Peter’s infectious energy, enthusiasm and charm, this intriguing memoir explores major themes in architecture through the lens of his life and work. Taking the reader on a journey through his colourful and wide-ranging career, it touches on his early years and architectural education, his relationships with key figures within the architecture community and his work teaching and lecturing internationally. It also provides an inside account of his leadership of the Bartlett, for which he is frequently credited as a central figure in rescuing the reputation of a once-ailing, now world-famous, school of architecture. Featuring full-colour images of his most famous drawings, including Archigram’s ‘Plug-in City’, and built works, such as the Kunsthaus Graz in Austria and the Vienna Economics and Business University’s Department of Law and Central Administration Buildings, this book is a window into the life of one of architecture’s most celebrated rebels.

Table of Content

Introduction

1. The provincial

2. The experience of London

3. "This’ll upset them": The Archigram years

4. Becoming European

5. An evolving London base

6. The school as orchestra

7. Los Angeles

8. To the east, west and beyond

9. Drawing and building Answers to unspoken questions

About the author

Professor Sir Peter Cook RA is a founder of Archigram, former Director of the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA), London, and Bartlett School of Architecture (University College London). Awards and accolades include: 2002 RIBA Royal Gold Medal, a knighthood from the Queen in 2007 for services to architecture and an honorary doctorate from Lund University in Sweden. He is currently a Senior Fellow of the Royal College of Art, London. A familiar voice within cultural institutions around the world, Peter lectures internationally.