The Architecture of Error: Matter, Measure, and the Misadventures of Precision
Language: English
Published by The MIT Press, Cambridge, 2014
- Softcover
- Used

Seller: Daedalus Books, Portland, OR, U.S.A.Daedalus Books
AbeBooks seller since September 15, 1997
Association member: CBA
Condition: Used - Near fine
£ 28.02
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Small remainder mark on one edge, corner lightly creased. A nice, bright copy. ; The MIT Press; B&W Illustrations; 9.9 X 7.1 X 1.0 inches; 328 pages.
Seller Inventory # 332385
- Title
- The Architecture of Error: Matter, Measure, and the Misadventures of Precision
- Author
- Hughes, Francesca
- Publisher
- The MIT Press, Cambridge
- Publication year
- 2014
- Condition
- Near Fine
- Binding
- Paperback
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0262526360
- ISBN 13
- 9780262526364
- Item weight
- 4 pounds
- Seller catalogs
- Architecture/Urban Studies
Why the rise of redundant precision in architecture and the accompanying fear of error are key to understanding the discipline's needs, anxieties and desires.
When architects draw even brick walls to six decimal places with software designed to cut lenses, it is clear that the logic that once organized relations between precision and material error in construction has unraveled. Precision, already a promiscuous term, seems now to have been uncoupled from its contract with truthfulness. Meanwhile error, and the always-political space of its dissent, has reconfigured itself.
In The Architecture of Error Francesca Hughes argues that behind the architect's acute fetishization of redundant precision lies a special fear of physical error. What if we were to consider the pivotal cultural and technological transformations of modernism to have been driven not so much by the causes its narratives declare, she asks, as by an unspoken horror of loss of control over error, material life, and everything that matter stands for? Hughes traces the rising intolerance of material vagaries―from the removal of ornament to digitalized fabrication―that produced the blind rejection of organic materials, the proliferation of material testing, and the rhetorical obstacles that blighted cybernetics. Why is it, she asks, that the more we cornered physical error, the more we feared it?
Hughes's analysis of redundant precision exposes an architecture of fear whose politics must be called into question. Proposing error as a new category for architectural thought, Hughes draws on other disciplines and practices that have interrogated precision and failure, citing the work of scientists Nancy Cartwright and Evelyn Fox Keller and visual artists Gordon Matta-Clark, Barbara Hepworth, Rachel Whiteread, and others. These non-architect practitioners, she argues, show that error need not be excluded and precision can be made accountable.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Daedalus Books
Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 15 business days | 2 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 4.92 | £ 9.08 |
Payment methods
- Paypal
Store description
Our store carries a wide variety of scholarly titles in many fields and is especially strong in history, literary studies, judaica, medicine and linguistics, philosophy and classical studies. We are always interested in purchasing books in these fields as well as military and music titles.
Specialty
medicine, science, music, linguistics, literary studies, poetry, medieval and renaissance studies, judaica, history, philosophyAssociation member
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.Seller's business information
Daedalus Books
2074 NW Flanders St.
Portland, OR U.S.A. 97209
Terms of sale
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and PayPal (Verified/Confirmed). We do accept Paypal for international orders processed through AbeBooks. Payment should accompany order unless credit has been established.
Standard Media Mail shipping costs $5.40, and covers books weighing up to four pounds. Priority Mail is $11.95, and covers books weighing up to four pounds. If a book exceeds those weights, we will ask for more money for shipment. If we receive no reply, the order will remain unprocessed, as per Abebooks. We will hold books for a maximum of 10 days for domestic orders and 14 days for international orders, unless special arrangements are made. All prices are NET.
Books may be returned in their original condition within 10 days of receipt via usps media mail.
Due to post office restrictions, we cannot guarantee delivery of books to addresses outside of the US. If you want guaranteed delivery, you must inquire before purchasing. All international shipping prices are designed for books weighing up to two pounds. If shipment will cost more than the listed shipping price, we will request additional funds. If the shipment will cost considerably less than the listed shipping price, the rate will certainly be decreased. We are always glad to address any questions or concerns, and welcome the chance to communicate with our customers.
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Daedalus Books, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.