Issue Seventeen of Design Research Unit’s publication IA: Intelligent Architecture is dedicated to the theme: ‘Contrast and Juxtaposition’.

The simplistic but often irrefutable truth that ‘opposites attract’ is well known and highlights the dynamism that can be brought about through both contrast and juxtaposition. The juxtaposing of two or more objects, places, or people offers the potential for dialogue, exchange, and something potentially meaningful, a relationship.

In this edition of iA, we examine, disseminate and compare how our architectural processes and attitudes adapt and respond to context, alongside the juxtapositions that a variety of settings bring forward in terms of design development. Context provides friction and traction for a design team, and solutions are seldom ubiquitous; rather tailor made, refined and considered to respond to what will be a unique set of physical, cultural, and sociological relationships.

We hope you enjoy reading.