How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built is an illustrated book on the evolution of buildings and how buildings adapt to changing requirements over long periods. Brand asserts that the best buildings are made from low-cost, standard designs that people are familiar with, and easy to modify. In this way people can gradually change their buildings to meet their needs. Brand states that a supply of simple, low-cost, easily modified buildings is key to innovation and economic growth. He implies that an expanding property-value market may actually slow innovation and produce a less human-centered community. Among other things, the book details the notion of Shearing layers.

Note for Attendees: The book is substantial and well worth reading in its entirety. If you are planning to attend the session, please try to have read Chapters 2, 3 and 12, and skimmed Chapter 8 before the session.

The 6-part TV series originally broadcast on the BBC in 1997 is also available on YouTube.

Reading Link: How Buildings Learn.pdf