a+u

This edition focuses on those places where people tend to spend their free time, showcasing the primal concept of the retreat through experimental design. Locations of the 20 featured projects range from natural environments to dense urban situations. In these places of seclusion, functional necessity is generally of lesser priority than portraying the essential lifestyle that their users or residents desire when spending time away from their everyday lives. To match these requirements, architects are often encouraged to put their experimental concepts into practice. An essay by Juhani Pallasmaa precedes works by Cecilia Puga, Studio Mumbai, David Kohn, Casey Brown and more.

Feature: Retreat – Primal Concept and Experimental Design

Essay: The Lived Metaphor
Juhani Pallasmaa

Javier Corvalán + Laboratorio de Arquitectura: Casa Hamaca
Benjamin Garcia Saxe: A Forest for a Moon Dazzler
Casey Brown Architecture: Permanent Camping
Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects: Hut on Sleds
Shim-Sutcliffe Architects: Harrison Island Camp
Studio Mumbai: Utsav House
Fearon Hay Architects: Island Retreat
Rick Joy Architects: Adobe Canyon House
Cecilia Puga: The Vaulted House
Pascal Flammer: House in Balsthal
Buchner Bründler Architects: Casa D’Estate
General Architecture: Summer House
Tham & Videgard Arkitekter: Creek House
GLUCK+: Lakeside Retreat
Jon Lott / PARA: Haffenden House
spbr arquitetos: Weekend House in Downtown Sao Paulo

Project report:
The Philosophy of Living Architecture
Alain de Botton

David Kohn Architect: A Room for London
Jarmund / Vigsnas AS Arkitekter MNAL: Dune House
MVRDV: Balancing Barn