London, UK – Baca Architects released a new book titled ‘Aquatecture’ through RIBA publishing in December 2015. Written by Robert Barker and Richard Coutts of Baca Architects, twice winners of the RIBA practice-based research award and specialists in waterfront architecture and flood-resistant developments, the book explores how to design in flood-risk areas and how water can be used to enhance architecture and design.

With water playing such a vital role in our lives and societies, the book lays out the case for the importance of designing for water, now and in the future, in order to best prepare us to adapt to the uncertainties of future climate change. Historical cases of issues with water and innovations in designing with water are examined, along with measures to mitigate the threat posed by water in the form of shortages, such as droughts, and excess, in the form of flooding.

The first part of the book explores the historical relationship between water and architecture over the centuries. Chapters proceed to assess how this relationship has evolved over time, and introduce the reader to a range of new techniques that will revolutionise the way we think about water, design and urban planning. Amphibious housing, wet-proof buildings, zero-carbon development, rain gardens, flood storage and new methods of waterfront design are discussed and their effectiveness assessed.

Practical technical advice sits alongside truly groundbreaking and ambitious ideas for the future. This book is an ideal reference tool for all architects, urban designers, planners and sustainability experts who have an interest in creating a beautiful, sustainable, intelligent and pleasurable built environment - on land, in water and with water.

Baca Architects designed the UK’s first Amphibious House, completed on the banks of the River Thames in early 2015. Robert Barker and Richard Coutts are commentators on flooding and regular speakers on the subject of designing for flood-risk environments.

For more information on the book, contact Amy Dron at email adron@baca.uk.com.