Dean's Lecture Series 2013: Sir Peter Cook, CRAB, London

From Archigram to CRAB: Nosing Forward

In the first Dean's Lecture of 2013, iconic British architect, Professor Sir Peter Cook will discuss his journey from Archigram, the avant-garde architectural group formed in the 1960s, to CRAB, the innovative practice he established six years ago.

Sir Peter Cook's lecture is now available to download: Video | Audio with lecture slides  |  Audio only.

Image title: 'Como-Veg' installation, Los Angeles, 2012

From a seaside background and the atmosphere of provincial arcadia, the Archigram period exploded the vocabulary of architecture. Peter Cook was among the team who challenged architectural traditions and delivered a visionary and contemporary approach to building cities and developing ways of living. Following the publication of the success of the Archigram publication and a number of well received exhibitions,including the 'Living City' exhibition, Archigram was born and with it came a new era of design. In this free public lecture, Peter Cook will reveal his concept of  'anti-cities' and 'anti-houses', how vegetation merges with architecture and how experimentation morphs into buildables.

An internationally renowned architect, Peter Cook has left his mark on the globe. The 'friendly alien' Kunsthaus in Graz, Austria, completed in partnership with Colin Fournier, is an example of one of his visionary projects. Most recently, Peter's work with co-founder of CRAB, Gavin Robotham, has seen the practice evolve over it's six year history.  Both Peter and Gavin are designers and 'ideas' men whose expertise compliment each other. Peter's early initiatives as an Archigram founder and inventor are augmented by Gavin's flair and impeccable eye.

Among their most famous and interesting projects are completed and uncompleted works: The Law School and Administration building in Vienna, described by Peter as 'the long snake at Vienna', is nearing completion and 'the swinging, spooky, enthusiastic building for the new School of Architecture at Bond University, Queensland' is nearing completion. His Taiwan Tower for Taichung celebrates energy, 'literally oozing with algae breeders, tubes, collectors of wind, solar energy and water, layers of piezoelectric apparatus.'  Practical solutions, as well as a sense of elegance, are features of CRAB's architectural design.

Peter will talk about these groundbreaking buildings and will reveal his current projects for stadiums and gardens.

Sir Peter Cook studied at Bournemouth and London's Architectural Association. He is the former Director at the Institute for Contemporary Art, London and was Professor of Architecture in Franfurt and Chair of the Bartlett School of Architecture for 16 years. Peter is currently the Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy. As well as his collaborative work as a founding member of Archigram, Peter has worked with Christine Hawley, Colin Fournier and Gavin Robotham. Peter has authored eight books and published innumerable articles. He has presented hundreds of lectures, sat on thousands of juries and mentored 10,000 students.

View the Metro Lines exhibition (showcasing work from the Sir Peter Cook Masterclass) at the Yasuko Hiraoka Myer Room, Level 1 via lift, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, 761 Swanston Street, 22 - 26 February. Exhibition opening Thursday 21 February 6-6.45pm.  Details here.