The Art of Building — William Morris

The Art of Building is a collection of essays on architecture by William Morris (1834–1896), revealing him as an ecological designer avant la lettre. In these essays, Morris develops his philosophy of simplicity, equality, and care for nature in relation to architecture, presenting the integrated vision that has led to his recognition as a forerunner to both the Bauhaus and today’s environmental movements. The themes include building quality housing for all, preserving nature, using local building materials, a surprisingly ecological vision of high-density living, and a proto-minimalist approach to interior decoration. These texts reveal an author many associate primarily with floral patterns at his most radical, modern, and prescient—demonstrating a thinker thoroughly relevant to our present moment.