Out There: New Architecture Across America - (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Each day, architects across the United States are busy planning and constructing individual homes, public buildings, and civic spaces rooted in local culture and context. Yet, to many, the perception prevails that American architecture is driven largely by the traditional centres of power on the East and West coasts. Out There challenges that notion, spotlighting practices throughout the whole of the US that are deeply grounded in place and community. What unites the firms featured in this volume is a commitment to architecture's civic, social, and environmental responsibilities. Many prioritize sustainability, adaptive reuse, housing, and social justice. Even in an increasingly homogenized, hyper-connected world, these architects remain
locally focused.

The book begins with a foreword by Marlon Blackwell, recipient of the 2020 Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects, and an introduction by Robert Ivy, former editor-in-chief of Architectural Record. Essays by Cathleen McGuigan, also a former chief editor of Architectural Record, and Peter MacKeith, Dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture in Fayetteville, AR, consider, respectively, key figures in the rise of architectural regionalism in the United States over recent decades, and contemporary regional architecture in other countries. The book's main section profiles 50 US practices and about 180 projects, Observation Studio (Oregon), Modus Studio (Arkansas), Rand Elliott Architects (Oklahoma), Renée del Gaudio Architecture (Colorado), and Salmela Architect (Minnesota). The texts explore the ethos and design philosophy of each firm, as well as selected projects from the last ten years. Out There presents a varied, vibrant picture of architectural excellence anchored in local culture, geography, and community needs all across the US. It affirms a timeless truth: where we work profoundly influences what we create. Ultimately, architecture remains inseparable from place.

• A definitive showcase of regionalist practice in contemporary American architecture


• Features the recent work of 50 practices, all fully illustrated with color photography and plans


• A vital resource for architects, design professionals, academics, and anyone interested in the future of architecture across America