Bjarne Mastenbroek. Dig it! Building Bound to the Ground

A visual journey into the world of architecture tethered to the earth explores how buildings uniquely engage with the ground beneath our feet. For centuries, especially in Western cultures, there has been a tendency to see ourselves as distinct from nature, creating our own systems and utilizing the earth merely as a stable base. Yet, throughout history, there have been moments when humanity sought to reconnect with nature—using it for spiritual practices, defense, and ecological stability. This expansive collection of nearly 1,400 pages seeks to restore the bond between architecture and the natural landscape. For many years, Bjarne Mastenbroek and his architectural firm, SeARCH, have examined the evolving relationship between structures and their environments, viewing buildings as an extension of the landscape, harmoniously integrated rather than disruptive. In "Dig It!", they delve into building history, uncovering intriguing case studies that embody this philosophy—some renowned, others previously unnoticed. The book explores a diverse range of buildings, from rock-hewn African churches and subterranean Chinese villages to Parisian residences covered in lush greenery and a villa nestled into the cliffs of Capri, known from the film "Le Mépris" with Brigitte Bardot. Functioning as both an atlas and an encyclopedia, the book sheds light on traditional, vernacular architecture while revisiting timeless classics and celebrating innovative modern structures worldwide. Designed by Mevis & Van Deursen, this comprehensive work includes analytical sketches from SeARCH alongside photographic essays by Iwan Baan. "Dig It!" presents a thoughtful exploration of reconnecting architectural practice with the earth. Divided into six thematic chapters—Bury, Embed, Absorb, Spiral, Carve, and Mimic—this survey illustrates humanity’s intrinsic link to the earth through the lens of building practices, offering insights pertinent to addressing both current and future challenges faced in urban and natural settings.