“Revolution? Architecture and the Anthropocene”, authored by Susannah Hagan, Emeritus Professor of Architecture at the University of Westminster, delves into the pressing issue of humanity’s environmental impact on our planet. Susannah Hagan is Emeritus Professor of Architecture at the University of Westminster, London, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Prior to Westminster, she was Head of Research and the Doctoral Programme at the School of Architecture, Royal College of Art. The book challenges the architectural profession’s reluctance to fully engage with environmental concerns despite decades of warnings. Through four interconnected essays, Hagan dissects the architectural landscape’s inertia towards environmental concerns. “Overthrowing” dissects the enduring dominance of the Modern Movement and its lingering impact on contemporary architectural culture. “Converting” probes the environmental movement’s struggle to effect significant change within the field. “Making” advocates for a return to a material-centric approach in architecture to enhance its effectiveness, while “Educating” calls for a reimagining of architectural education for the 21st century.

Throughout the book, Hagan acknowledges the commendable efforts of a minority within the profession who champion environmentally conscious design. By spotlighting innovative practitioners and educators, she aims to propel nature-centric architecture from the sidelines to the forefront of architectural discourse.