Never Modern

In this exceptional book on the London based studio 6a architects, architecture critic Irénée Scalbert looks at the role of narrative, history, appropriation and craft in the work of Tom Emerson and Stephanie Macdonald. The book traces an architectural approach avoiding style, signature, theory and even concept in favor of metis, an ancient form of intelligence combining “flair, wisdom, forethought, subtlety of mind, deception, resourcefulness, vigilance, opportunism, varied skills, and experience.” Structured around notions of situation, intervention, making, comedy, bricolage, chance and anthropology, the text is mirrored in a visual essay of archive photographs, artworks, film stills and recent projects by the practice. 6a architects were founded in London in 2001. The practice has developed a reputation for award winning contemporary art galleries, educational and residential projects in sensitive historic environments. Recent projects include the critically acclaimed extension to the South London Gallery (New London Architecture Award 2011 and Civic Trust Award Commendation 2012), Raven Row, contemporary art gallery in Spitalfields, east London (RIBA Award 2010) and the new Fashion Galleries at the V&A opened in May 2012 (nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2013). 6a architects won the Schelling Medal for architecture 2012.