Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2023-07-11 - 

Mei architects and planners introduces a free digital version of their latest book 'Included. Architecture as a means for a new future’. After the success of the launch of the offset print version, and at the request of many, Mei has decided to release an open-access e-book in order to make the book accessible to all, in line with the inclusive spirit on which Mei’s work and their latest book is based.

‘Included. Architecture as a means for a new future', published by nai010 publishers, explores new ways of working and building that respond to the growing ecological and social need for a different approach to the built environment. Like a ‘cookbook’, the richly colored book, designed by graphic design agency 75B, contains a layered set of ingredients to shape the architecture of tomorrow. With this book, Mei dives into an idiosyncratic oeuvre in which respect for the environment is central.

“It would be enough to make the argument that, in this book on ‘architecture as a means for a new future,’ Mei has always seen a future for the past, and the past as informing the future.”
says Aric Chen, managing and artistic director of the Nieuwe Instituut, who provided the foreword to Included.

This first overview displays 25 years of work by Mei architects and planners, and is available in both Dutch and English. From the modular Smarthouse (1995) to the wooden residential building SAWA (under construction), a fascination for intelligent building systems and for the possibilities they offer to reduce the environmental impact of construction becomes visible. Ambitious transformation plans, including the Schiecentrale, Fenix I, and the silk factory in Naro-Fominsk, demonstrate how the firm has developed into a forerunner and expert in the field of adaptive re-use and innovation in architecture.

Based on a wide palette of techniques - from facade element to culture cluster to marketing strategy - the book provides insight into Mei's design method and the way in which the studio positions itself in the planning and construction process. Underlying themes and their current relevance are discussed in conversation with various experts. Particularly due to the interest of this book for students and a younger generation of architects, Mei architects and planners wants to ensure that it is accessible to everyone.

"We are excited that, in addition to the printed version of our book 'Included', we can now also offer the free e-book. In a time that mainly revolves around complex inner-city challenges and great powers, the book shows the crucial importance of an empathetic working attitude," says Robert Winkel, founding partner at Mei architects and planners. "Our mission is to encourage students and architects to rethink the design challenge of this century. Let this book inspire you to actually take action and build a better and healthier together, accessible and inclusive for all!"

Download the e-book online

Keen to find out more? Download the digital version directly from the website of Mei architects and planners. In addition to the digital version, a high-quality offset print of 'Included' is also available at the price of €49.95. Order it directly online on Mei's website, possibly signed, or buy it from renowned bookshops.

Included on tour

With unwavering dedication, Robert Winkel, founder of Mei architects and planners and author of the book, is committed to spreading the vision of 'Included' and vigorously addressing the pressing themes addressed in the book. Robert Winkel regularly takes the stage to call people to action. These inspiring lectures have already taken place at prominent venues, including the Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, the Biennale in Venice, Hamburg, and the Bremen University of Applied Sciences. Mei challenges educational institutions and network organizations to offer new possibilities and locations for these lectures. Please contact Mei directly for more information. People interested can register for the Mei newsletter to stay informed about the lecture calendar. Don't miss this opportunity to get inspired and involved in this urgent movement.