Ashgate Studies in Architecture

Ashgate Book Series Listings

Series Editor: Eamonn Canniffe, Manchester School of Architecture, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

The discipline of Architecture is undergoing subtle transformation as design awareness permeates our visually dominated culture. Technological change, the search for sustainability and debates around the value of place and meaning of the architectural gesture are aspects which will affect the cities we inhabit. This series seeks to address such topics, both theoretically and in practice, through the publication of high quality original research, written and visual.

Topics to be covered include the following:

Architectural history and theory and their relationship to the development of the discipline, building conservation, heritage and creative adaptation.

The formal and aesthetic values of architectural design, the diversity of its expression of identity, and its representation in other media.

The impact of technological innovation on the materialisation of architecture and the questions surrounding environmental sustainability, experimentation and visionary design.

The social and psychological context of architectural production, its relationship to occupants, clients and to other creative and professional disciplines, and the political situation in which it is commissioned.

Proposals will be welcomed which explore or connect aspects of these themes. Subjects which deal with individual architects, with specific buildings or building types, and the critical interpretation of historical and contemporary architecture from a theoretical or philosophical perspective are particularly encouraged. Architecture's embodiment of technical, social, and aesthetic aspects will also be emphasised.

Interview with series editor Eamonn Canniffe



What encouraged you to enter academia? As an architecture student I was taught by people who combined practice and academic life, so academia appeared as a natural extension of professional life. I was lucky enough to begin teaching quite soon after graduation and combined that with design work for a decade before embarking on research.

What made you (decide to) initiate this series?

While architectural publishing tends to divide between technical and professional material, design monographs and historical or theoretical texts, I think there is always space to explore new combinations of these aspects and create a distinctive series of publications. The proposals I have reviewed so far have tended to bear this out, and have generally been of a high quality.

What is your academic background and research interests?

I studied at Cambridge and Harvard Universities, held a scholarship at the British School at Rome, and have taught either at Manchester or Sheffield for over twenty years. My research interests are in urban design and architectural history.

Very briefly, where do you see your discipline going in the future?

The economic downturn will give the architectural profession pause for reflection after very busy times. I see sustainable issues becoming more embedded in design, but also a more critical attitude to urban issues developing. A healthy skepticism towards the surface makeovers which have been the principal product of recent regeneration policies is probably on the cards, with a rebirth of longer lasting architectural and urban methods.

What has been the highlight of your academic career so far?

Having my recent book The Politics of the Piazza described as “the most relevant book on Italian urban space since Camillo Sitte wrote ‘City Planning According to Artistic Principles’ in 1889”.

Whose achievements would you like to emulate within your own field?

The comparison to Sitte is extremely flattering, but I have always been impressed by the career and breadth of interests of Colin Rowe (1920-99) and his balance of teaching and writing. His footnotes are often an esoteric treat.

What book (not from the series, but generally) has most influenced your own work?

Aldo Rossi’s The Architecture of the City (1966)

What do you find particularly interesting about your role as series editor?

The role gives me the chance to gain insight into other researchers’ and designers’ work. It is a privilege, as ideas are sometimes tentative in publishing terms but with encouragement can become very useful contributions to the field.

Any advice for people wanting to publish in your series?

Try to match the clarity of your ideas to the most effective means of communication, and always look to connect beyond the boundaries of architecture.

What was the last book you read?

The Gangs of Manchester by Andrew Davies. A fascinating if rather grim reading of the nineteenth century social history of my native city which underlines the overwhelming and mysterious power of urban continuity.