Buildings are driven by human emotions and desires; hope, power, money, sex, the idea of home. In Why We Build Rowan Moore explores the making of buildings from conception to inhabitation and reveals the paradoxical power of architecture: it looks fixed and solid, but is always changing in response to the lives around it. Moving across the globe and through history, through works of folly, beauty, spectacle, and subtlety, Moore gives a provocative and iconoclastic view of what makes architecture, why it matters, and why we find it fascinating. You will never look at a building in the same way again.
Rowan Moore
Rowan Moore is a British architect and writer known for his insightful architectural criticism and commentary. He has served as the architecture critic for The Observer and has written for various publications including The Guardian and The Evening Standard. Moore's writing is characterized by its thoughtfulness, depth, and ability to connect architecture to broader cultural and social issues. One of his most notable works is "Why We Build: Power and Desire in Architecture," which explores the motivations and consequences behind architectural projects. Moore's contributions to literature have helped to elevate the discourse surrounding architecture and design, making him a respected voice in the field.