In January 2002, after a two year gestation period, the International Network for Traditional Buildings, Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU) was launched. To celebrate the launch, a conference was held to debate the place of tradition in modern society. While INTBAU was specifically concerned with building and urbanism, if tradition was indeed relevant then it must have a place throughout society. The conference forms the basis of this book. It is an important feature of traditions that they adapt and change. So, while change accelerates so should the adaptation of traditions. If we rely on tradition for the transmission of culture, then the adaptation of traditions is a matter of importance to all of us. If change occurs without the transmission of culture, then culture itself dies; culture cannot be created anew every day. The evolutionary nature of tradition is something often ignored by supporters and opponents alike. It is important that history - that which measures our distance from the past - is not confused with tradition - the past living through us. The papers presented in this book discuss these points and many others are a fascinating miscellany. With contributions ranging from the practical to the academic these papers can leave no doubt about the continued role and significance of tradition, the passion of those who understand its relevance and the dangers inherent in its denial.
Robert Adam trained at the University of Westminster and won a Rome Scholarship. He has practiced in the city of Winchester since 1977 and co-founded Winchester Design in 1986, which became known as Robert Adam Architects in 2000. He works closely with clients on a diverse range of projects including major private houses, extensions to historic buildings and public and commercial buildings. He has 20 years experience in masterplanning and has pioneered objective coding.
Robert Adam's contribution to the classical tradition is internationally acknowledged, both as a scholar and as a designer of traditional and progressive classical architecture. He is also a designer of classical furniture.
He founded the Popular Housing Forum in 1995 as a result of his long involvement with speculative housing and masterplanning. He was also one of the founders of the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU) in 2000.
Robert Adam's work is widely published, broadcast and exhibited. He writes, lectures and broadcasts on a variety of subjects including classical architecture, masterplanning, housing, countryside issues, heritage and globalisation. He has also undertaken lecture tours of the USA and Russia.
Dr Matthew Hardy RAIA is Secretary of the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU). He has lectured and published widely in support of INTBAU, and has taught widely on both course work and summer programmes and as a Visiting Professor with the University of Notre Dame. He has also maintained a practice in architecture and urban design since registering in South Australia in 1983. Dr Hardy holds a PhD in Architectural History from the University of Wales and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Adelaide and is an Alumnus of The Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture. He has lectured and published widely in support of INTBAU.
