Includes bibliographical references (pages 157-161) and index.

Introduction : Architecture as ornament? -- A problematic return : The ornamental revival in contemporary architecture ; Textures, patterns and topology: a different ornament ; The subjective and the political -- Ornament and subjectivity : The visage of architecture ; The architect, between rules and inventions ; Artists, craftsmen and the fabrication of ornament -- From clients to passers-by -- Industrialism and the ornamental impulse ; The ghost of ornament -- Politics of ornament : From economics to politics ; Communication and style ; The power of architectural décor -- Reinventing the meaning of ornament : A new architectural subject ; Political uncertainties ; Meaning and symbols.

Once condemned by Modernism and compared to a 'crime' by Adolf Loos, ornament has made a spectacular return in contemporary architecture. This is typified by the works of well-known architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Sauerbruch Hutton, Farshid Moussavi Architecture and OMA. There is no doubt that these new ornamental tendencies are inseparable from innovations in computer technology. The proliferation of developments in design software has enabled architects to experiment afresh with texture, colour, pattern and topology. Though inextricably linked with digital tools and culture, Ant.

Description based on print version record.