SHoP: Out of Practice

Put simply, this book is a must-have for architecture students and young professionals who not only want to see their designs realized, but who also wish to retain more control over the design process and final built object. SHoP has crafted a successful architectural practice around the not-so-ancient idea of positioning the architect towards the operational center of each project. While this carries more risk, it is a strategic and arguably necessary move that counters the unproductive, and increasingly obsolete, traditional model that isolates architects from the economics and construction of buildings. This book - SHoP's first monograph - is well illustrated with drawings, models, renderings and photos of completed works, complimented by snippets of text that help explain the objectives, hurdles, and design moves deployed to assist the realization of each project. What the contents page (`click to LOOK INSIDE') doesn't reveal is that the green highlighted headings (practice, politics, finance, technology, and sustainability) are insightful 3-page summaries of SHoP's observations on these aspects of architectural culture. And their observations are astute. For example, in the Finance section they stress, "isolating architecture from the `dirty' world of money has done a disservice both to the education of young designers and to the practice of mature architects. (...) A refusal to engage with the financial structure of a project weakens not only the individual architect but the profession as a whole." Whether of not you like the `look' of their projects, this book will be a welcome and more importantly useful collection to your bookshelf.

Shop: Out of Practice as noted in the title of the book explains the firm's design process and methods of construction. It's a great book and one to own if you love the building design process. This book clearly explains the information and data collecting process that the office gathers to create a unique and functional design. The foreword was abit long, but it's understandable due to the indivdual's passion for the work being created. This book goes off left and right with many examples, but these examples are in the order with regards to the methods/techniques of architectural creation. Without any doubt in my mind, there some nice pictures, architectural drawings, renderings and diagrams worth buying this book for.

This is the first monograph for SHoP Architects based in NYC. The firm consists of distinct levels of diversity, control, and perfection complemented with high design and academia while retaining a corporate identity. SHoP is seen as a model for a successful 21st-century architecture office and is the most outspoken about their willingness to use digital technologies to aid in fabrication of various components (facades, screens, etc.) through an early involvement with fabricators and other sub-contractors. This approach extends their risk but often equates with more design control and the ability to achieve more innovative designs at the cost of standard solutions. Fifteen years in the making, they have gained the skills and defined a unique approach that sets them apart from their peers. The Barclays Center is included but as renderings and not the actual photos of the Barclays Center itself. Recommended for architects in the making and as well as architects.

Cool book, great content with nice details and examples of SHoP's work. Pretty short though, not an exhaustive look at any of their projects.

A great introspective on how SHoP began there practice. I enjoyed the images and descriptions of their work, and gained understanding on how they approached innovation within architecture, not just another photo album of pretty things.

I appreciate what shop has done. The intro got a little too "aren't they so smart and clever and the best ever?!" but started off good. And maybe you agree with them. Only one way to find out : )

SHoP's book is a great book for an alternative view of the practice. It somewhat aligns with the views of Kieran/Timberlake's "Architect as Master Builder" theory, where the architect takes on the responsibilities and risks that are often pushed onto someone else. This leaves the architect fully in control of their project. Great, easy read!

I bought this book because it was one that my professor had and reference last semester a bit, as shop was a firm we used for precedent now and again, I enjoyed getting a chance to really go through it on my own time!

Great overview of this innovative firm that questions the usual relationships of the architect towards fabrication, zoning laws, clients and investment