About Buildings + Cities 107 – Stewart Brand's 'How Buildings Learn' — "What Happens After They're Built"
10 snips
Aug 8, 2023 
Stewart Brand, author of 'How Buildings Learn', discusses the lifespan of buildings, criticizing architects for not considering growth and adaptability. They talk about post occupancy studies, maintenance, and designing for loose fit. The Duchess of Devonshire's wisdom and the sins of architects are highlighted. They explore the adaptability of buildings, modifications, and the evolution of communities. The problematic aspects of architecture, preservation, and maintenance challenges are also discussed.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Buildings Change Like Living Systems
- Stewart Brand's core idea is that buildings change over time and 'learn' through use and adaptation.
- He frames this with 'shearing layers' showing components change at different rates.
Shearing Layers Simplify Change
- Brand's 'shearing layers' separate skin, structure, services, space plan and site by change-rate.
- Structure changes least and space plan/services change most, guiding adaptability thinking.
MIT's Building 20 Creative Hotbed
- Building 20 at MIT became a creative hotbed because it was cheap, temporary and occupants could modify it freely.
- Brand celebrates it as a classic 'low road' example where rough conditions foster innovation.