Peter Herrle Livres

The spread of uniform production modes, cultural values, and social patterns has led to the global dissemination of stereotypes associated with "modern" architecture. This phenomenon aims to document "modernity" and align with perceived international trends. However, a counter-movement has emerged, as national governments and key social and economic groups strive to address the "loss of identity" and protect their cultures from the overpowering forces of globalization. Initially a defensive response, this notion has evolved into a progressive effort to reclaim what is believed to have been lost. This trend is particularly evident in discussions about architecture in countries of the South, where the question of identity arises as a means to counteract rapid globalization. The text explores critical questions such as: What does identity signify in specific contexts? How are new architectural identities formed globally? Who is involved in the "construction" of these identities? What elements are drawn from historical, ethnic traditions, and other influences? These inquiries are examined through five case studies by esteemed scholars from Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, India, and Singapore.

The region of the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan plateau is known for its unique and characteristic vernacular architecture and housing culture which is slowly but surely disappearing. The first part of the book analyses 21 traditional houses in the region that respond in diverse ways to the specifics of their location and local climate. The second part presents a comparative study of the construction elements – walls, roof and façades – using photographs and hand-drawn construction details. The newly produced scale drawings provide an excellent basis for comparative review. Detailed plans, atmospheric photographs and informative texts take the reader on a journey through a fascinating building culture.

This book explores the intricate relationship between identity and architecture, addressing a widespread concern about identity loss linked to urban environments. It offers a global, multidisciplinary perspective on how contemporary architectural identities are formed. The central hypothesis posits that in a globalized world, architectural identity cannot simply be derived from distinct indigenous patterns. Featuring forty contributions from various fields, the book seeks to dismantle the myth of a fixed or inheritable identity. Some authors challenge long-held beliefs about identity as solid and unchangeable, while others delve into the processes by which identities are constructed within specific societies or regions. It argues that identity is not predetermined by one's location or ancestry, nor is it inherently tied to the notion of ownership. Instead, it can be actively constructed by individuals, groups, and communities. This perspective encourages a more nuanced understanding of globalization and modernization, moving away from a purely negative view and highlighting the potential for identity formation in an interconnected world.

Urban poverty and exclusion are growing worldwide - some suspect not in spite, but because of increasing wealth and globalisation. And they concentrate in particular urban areas: The rich-poor-divide can be traced in the microcosm of cities of the north and south, east and west. In many countries, however, integrated strategies for social cities are under way to counteract these tendencies of social, economic and spatial polarisation. Access to basic infrastructure, security of tenure, urban design and planning play a vital role in these integrated area-based approaches. They are part and parcel of new forms of governance and urban management. This book brings together such emerging experience and expertise from developing countries, North America and Europe. It looks at social inclusion at work - how it is done. Experts from all over the globe provide first hand in-depth-knowledge about their cases, their problems and prospects. They are part of the global effort to fight urban poverty and social exclusion in the context of sustainable development.

"Streiflichter“ ist der Name einer neuen Buchreihe des Rosenkreuz Verlages. Aus verschiedenen Blickwinkeln präsentieren die Bände dieser Reihe Einsichten in die Suche des Menschen nach Sinn und Lebensperspektive in einer sich rasch verändernden Welt. Damit beleuchten die Bände Fragen, die durch alle Zeiten ein Grundanliegen des Menschen sind. Der Titel des vorliegenden ersten Bandes „Ein neuer Mensch?“ enthält ein Fragezeichen, das die Fragwürdigkeit des Ideentopos „Neuer Mensch“ andeutet. Gibt es so etwas wie den Neuen Menschen überhaupt – und wenn ja, wo, wann und in welcher Form? Den hier abgedruckten Aufsätzen liegt eine bestimmte Prämisse zu Grunde, die sich in wenigen Worten zusammenfassen lässt: Den Neuen Menschen gibt es nicht, das Warten auf sein „Kommen“ ist eine Illusion. Nicht der illusionäre Typus eines „neuen Menschen“ ist Gegenstand der Betrachtung, sondern die Erforschung einer inneren Dimension des Menschen, die zu Brüchen im Fluss der Entwicklung führt und Raum für das Neue schafft. Es geht um die numinose Dimension im Menschen, die weder durch Empirie noch durch Theorie beweisbar ist, in der das Neue, bisher Ungedachte sich ankündigt. Darum geht es in der heutigen Zeit. Auf sehr unterschiedliche Weise und von unterschiedlichen Standorten ausgehend, begeben sich die Autoren auf die Suche.