DETAIL 12.2017

From the editorial of issue 12.2017

Built Landscapes

Architecture and landscape have much in common. Both are constructs of our perception, which is why the properties we attribute to them, like “artificial” and “natural”, say more about our own desire to differentiate than about the true relationship between them. Architeture is, for the most part, built landscape,
Kjetil Thorsen of Snøhetta argues in our Discussion interview (page 16). What he
means by this is that tectonic objects and topography are not separate entities, but merge with each other. In the December issue of Detail, we have compiled a series of projects that respond to landscape space in quite distinct forms and are integrated in their surroundings by virtue of the constructional solutions and materials they use. The Documentation section, for example, includes the Caminito del Rey through the Gaitanes Gorge in southern Spain and the Wadden Sea Centre on the west coast of Denmark. In addition, we present details of the Mountain Restaurant in Obereggen in the Dolomites and the cabins of the Colorado Building Workshop in the Rocky Mountains. Our theme this month is complemented by a Technology article that explores the different forms assumed by facade planting.
The current issue of Detail brings the year to a close. We look forward to 2018, when we wish to strengthen the international outlook of the journal and present it throughout as a bilingual German-English publication. In May and November 2018, we shall publish “environmental specials” that will form part of the magazine. And if you have enjoyed reading our supplement on structural design, you can look forward to “Structure” four times a year as an independent publication for engineers.