Hugh Pearman

This book charts a twenty-year period in theatre design that maps the growth of large-scale adaptable theatre through Charcoalblue’s work, alongside the world's leading architects. From the remaking of London’s Young Vic Theatre in the mid-2000s, through larger scale projects for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House and many other cultural organisations worldwide, the practice have provided specialist expertise, collaborating with and mindful of everyone in the business, from actors and musicians, producers and directors, to engineers and architects. Highly illustrated with photos and drawings, the book includes sections on adaptable theatres, temporary spaces, anti-culture palaces, theatrical transformations, and hidden gems. Each case study provides insightful analysis. There are sections which focus on updating historic theatres and creating performance spaces for leading academic institutions. The book also includes useful technical sections which focus on acoustics, digital environments and even a section which discusses developing seating. It also features for the first time an analysis of the Perelman Center at the World Trade Center - David Lan, former director of the Young Vic and advisor to Manhattan's Perelman theatre, contributes a Foreword - and the forthcoming American Repertory Theatre. The ‘crazy adventures’ of Harry Potter at the Lyric Theatre on Broadway and the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse in London are revealed. It also looks to the future of theatre, as the practice explores new territory in virtual and digital scapes, and discusses changes to space, materials, performance and presentation, as well as how Charcoalblue’s skills in venue design are extending their work beyond the cultural space into contemporary working environments.

Hugh Pearman deftly guides us through the compelling stories of fifty-five buildings that explain our world, from antiquity to the present day About Architecture is an engaging introduction to architecture, exploring the ways in which we construct our built environment, and why. Hugh Pearman guides us through the architecture that shapes our lives—from how our towns and cities are organized, to where we live, learn and work, and how we get around, interact with others, and relax. Organized by type—from civic spaces, to homes, offices, and museums—the clear and straightforward structure demystifies the many styles and functions of architecture. Pearman explores how architecture responds to our changing lifestyles and how some buildings evolve or find new uses. He demonstrates that while there is endless variety within each building type, the essence of architecture—the way buildings serve their users—remains surprisingly constant. Through fifty-five fascinating international examples, from antiquity to the present day, About Architecture reveals the intriguing stories of the buildings that explain our world.

Cullinan Studio is a highly distinctive architectural practice and a force for good. This book places the work of Cullinan Studio in the context of the early 21st century. Being a progressive co-operative practice that continues to innovate, Cullinan Studio has a considerable catalogue of buildings and places achieved since the Millennium, including cultural centres, industrial, academic and research buildings, housing and regeneration, health and well-being buildings. In a world where there is constant pressure to specialise, how do they manage it – and how will they continue to do so? The author has worked with the practice directors and practice members, visiting the key buildings and places with them and discussing them in detail to build up a picture of how this idealistic and inventive practice negotiates the architectural challenges of today, finding new ways to serve society and maintain and strongly ethical focus while continuing to be commercially effective.