Ali Rahims text is the first of its kind to thoroughly explore the ideas and products of the digital revolution in architectural design. It fills an important gap in the field by clarifying for the first time the ideas and concepts that drive digital-based architecture, and reflecting on what distinguishes these forms from other architectural forms, other than the way they look.

Catalytic Formations also explores the complex relationships between process, architectural forms and their experiential influences. The authors work at Contemporary Architecture Practice both illustrates the translation of these concepts into architectural design and sets up a network of relationships, both local and global, that extends throughout the book.

Works by several contemporary technological practices have been selected to illustrate key concepts, including projects by:

* Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher (Zaha Hadid Architects)

* Greg Lynn (FORM)

* Cecil Balmond (AGU/Arup)

* Mark Goulthorpe (deCoi)

* Sulan Kolatan and William Macdonald (KOL/MAC)

* Lars Spuybroek (NOX)

* Kas Oosterhuis (ONL).

Practices that innovatively use techniques that access the potential of technologies of their time, such as Charles and Ray Eames and Verner Panton, are also discussed. Methods for the practice and design of architecture that promotes innovation are presented in five chapters that offer qualitative assessments of crucial themes, which students, professional and cultural readers alike will find of great value.</P>