Inhabited Machines: Genealogy of an Architectural Concept

The origin of the 'living machine'

Around 1800, one of the most influential
architectural concepts of the last 250 years emerged - that of built
spaces as technical devices. Climate, morality, and comfort are the
three main themes of this study, and each is vividly examined in
separate chapters through synchronous comparison and with the help of
examples. The emergence of corresponding metaphors, knowledge, and
construction forms is traced over a period of about 70 years. The author
focuses particularly on the operative dimension of architecture. Thus,
the book provides a historical perspective on a key topic for the future
of architecture. The book is aimed at readers interested in
architecture, technology or the cultural history of building and living.