Archigram

Unveiled
Theoretical Insights and Peter Cook's Vision
 Ar. Peter Cook
• Architectural Pioneer: Peter Cook is a key figure in
architecture, co-founding Archigram in the 1960s, known
for its radical and futuristic design concepts that
revolutionized conventional architecture.

• Enthusiastic Philosophy: He promotes architecture as an

“agency of enthusiasm,” emphasizing collaboration,
optimism, and the importance of drawing in the creative
process.

• Educational Impact: As an educator, Cook inspires students

to embrace innovative and experimental design while
critiquing the stagnation in contemporary practices.

• Enduring Legacy: Cook’s influence continues to shape new

generations of architects, encouraging imaginative
solutions to modern challenges and a vibrant approach to
the built environment.
Archigram
• The name Archigram (Architecture+Telegram) was invented
to describe a home-made magazine, the free-form was
designed to explore new projects and new thinking which
were overturning the strict modernist dictates of the 1960s.

• The group was comprised of six members Peter Cook, David

Greene and Mike Webb published the first issue and then
invited Ron Herron, Dennis Crompton and Warren Chalk.
What is Archigram ?

Archigram was an experimental

architectural group formed in the
1960s, known for its radical ideas
and futuristic designs. The group
challenged traditional architectural
norms, emphasizing flexibility,
technology, and urbanism. This
session explores their
groundbreaking contributions and
lasting impact on contemporary
architecture.
Core Philosophy Radical Approach: Archigram’s philosophy revolved around
questioning the static nature of architecture. They believed in creating dynamic,
flexible environments that could adapt to changing social and environmental
conditions.
Agency of Enthusiasm: This term, coined by Cook, describes Archigram’s spirit of
collaboration and creativity, which encouraged members to explore bold ideas and
imaginative designs without being constrained by conventional architectural norms.
Goals and Vision Imagining the Future: The group envisioned architecture as a
living entity that evolves with its users and surroundings. Their design philosophy
emphasized adaptability and interaction, allowing spaces to serve diverse needs over
time.
Influence of Technology: Archigram’s works often incorporated aspects of technology,
reflecting their belief that advancements in materials and construction techniques could
radically transform urban living.
Legacy Cultural Impact: Archigram’s work has significantly influenced later
architectural movements, encouraging a generation of architects to rethink traditional
practices and embrace innovative design philosophies. Continuing Relevance: Their
exploration of flexible, responsive architecture remains relevant in contemporary
discussions about sustainability, urbanism, and the role of technology in shaping future
environments.
After the war , the broken
surroundings left people
yearning for more stable
living conditions and cities
which cater to their ideal
worls.

To put simply they sought a

solution which way too good
to be true
That’s when Archigram’s
design praposals made a
statement in the world .

Following this Brutalism

and Modern architecture
gradually came into
picture.
Futuristic & Tech-Driven – Archigram
embraced a bold, futuristic vision, using
technology and consumer culture as
inspiration. Their ideas focused on creating a
new reality rather than building actual
structures.

Lightweight & Modular – They explored high-

tech, mobile, and adaptable designs,
experimenting with modular construction,
space-age concepts, and survival-based
infrastructure.

Conceptual & Illustrative – Their work

remained theoretical, expressed only through
drawings and visual representations of
utopian cities, rather than real-world
projects.

Neglect of Social & Environmental Factors –

While they envisioned an exciting machine-
driven future, their designs largely
overlooked practical concerns like social
impact and environmental sustainability.
Plug-In City Modular Urbanism:
The “Plug-In City” concept envisioned a
modular urban environment where buildings
could be assembled and disassembled,
allowing for constant reconfiguration based on
societal needs. This idea challenged the
permanence of traditional architecture.
The Capsule Homes Tower had a central
structure and a circulation system with
individually owned capsules hung around it.
Blurred boundaries and scrambled
functionsThe buildings are crowned by
cranes, with which the individual modules can
easily be moved and exchanged
Adaptability: By emphasizing adaptability,
Archigram proposed urban spaces that could
evolve through the addition or removal of
units, reflecting the changing dynamics of
urban life.
• Homes That Evolve – People can expand and modify their
homes over time, with city services integrated into the
structure rather than fixed to the ground.
• Plug-In & Upgradeable – The city functions like a system
where everything—homes, services, and structures—can
be replaced, updated, or moved as required.
• Floating Public Spaces – Raised above the ground, the
city creates open, shared spaces that grow within the
megastructure, forming high-rise public areas.
• Shared & Flexible Services – Transport, sanitation, and
utilities are built into the city’s core and can be
redistributed where needed.
• User-Led Home Design – Construction is industrial, but
residents control how they design and modify their
homes, making them highly flexible.
• Compact & Expandable Homes – Residential units are
prefabricated with space-saving, foldable features and
clip-on utilities.
• Interconnected Living – Homes can be linked, allowing
people to connect spaces, share, or expand their living
areas.
• Plug-In Community – The city promotes social interaction
by letting people merge living spaces while maintaining
Walking city
 • Archigram’s walking City was a visionary
concept that redefined urban living by
proposing a dynamic, mobile metropolis.
Unlike traditional cities with fixed
structures, Walking City was designed to
adapt, relocate, and evolve based on the
needs of its inhabitants and the
environment.

Walking city • Inspired by advancements in technology

and modular construction, it envisioned
self-sufficient units equipped with energy
systems, transportation networks, and
living spaces that could move across
landscapes.
• Archigram challenged the rigid nature of
urban planning, imagining a future
where cities were not bound by
geography but could respond fluidly to
social, economic, and environmental
changes. Their radical approach
THANK YOU
SUBMITTED BY:
ARTI SAXENA
SUBMITTED TO: AR.
PIYUSH PRAKASH