ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the historical emergence and some of the transformations and problems of regionalism as it has been drafted into architectural discourse primarily at a theoretical level. The book focuses on key thinkers, themes, design methodologies and geographical areas of notable influence, and seeks to unpack, appraise and re-historicise them. It explores how a regional focus plays into discourses of desirable architectural and urban futures, whether that means as prototypes for design approaches on stylistic grounds, for responsible usages of material on the grounds of ecology and sustainability, or for a joined-up approaches to large-scale projects that seek to offset the regional impacts of globalism. The book complements the previous academic papers with a set of provocative and speculative design proposals by young architectural designers.
