ALL Book Featured in World-Architects Magazine to Share the Advantages of Self-Publishing
John Hill, a writer at World-Architects, recently penned an article titled Architects, Self-Publishing, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing books within the field of architecture. In his piece, he highlighted the example of the book ALL alongside KPF’s Design in Detail. The article posed a thought-provoking question for architects: “To publish, or to self-publish?” This question has become increasingly relevant as traditional publishers reduce the number of architecture titles they release, while advancements in technology have made it more convenient than ever for architects to independently publish their own books in print. Seeking insights, World-Architects contacted BNIM to learn more about the experience of self-publishing.
The ALL book promotes the practice of inclusive design across the architectural profession with consideration and grace for people of all abilities. It tells the complete story of the making of the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center in a two-part flip book including the project design process and the four guiding principles used to organize spaces: Generous Space, Equitable Experiences, A Clear Path, and Individual Empowerment. The primary goal of ALL and other in-house publications from BNIM is to share knowledge and experiences to inspire change and enhance the human condition. During the design process for The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, ALL was created as a means to consolidate what we learned about inclusive design into easily understandable guiding principles and strategies, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion in buildings.
When asked about recommending self-publishing to other architecture firms, BNIM acknowledges its advantages, such as the ability to have control over content, design, scheduling, and distribution. Self-publishing can be cost-effective, particularly for smaller firms with limited resources, especially when leveraging online platforms and social media for distribution. It allows architects to target niche audiences and produce specialized content that may not resonate with mainstream publishers. However, BNIM also recognizes the value of traditional publishers like ORO Editions, which help reach a wider audience and achieve greater impact. While self-publishing offers numerous benefits, being published by an established publisher can provide significant exposure.
CHECK OUT BNIM’S LIBRARY TO SEE MORE PUBLICATIONS.
