Unbuilt Works: Glenn Murcutt traces ten previously unseen designs by the visionary Australian architect.
Written by architect Nick Sissons with contributions from Glenn Murcutt, Unbuilt Works: Glenn Murcutt enters the celebrated architect’s mind through ten projects that were never constructed.
The publication opens with a quote by Murcutt; “My role is not that of a creator; my role is that of a discoverer. I spend my time with hundreds of drawings, looking at their possibilities. They’re all about discovery.”
Recipient of the Alvar Aalto Medal, the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, the subsequent pages reveal how the Australian landscape and climate continuously guided Murcutt’s acclaimed approach and ‘process of discovery’.
Architect Nick Sissons was a former student and assistant to Murcutt, collaborating closely with the architect to uncover original hand-drawn plans, sections, elevations, and sketches alongside true-to-life renders. Together, they detail Murcutt’s design evolution, how one project led to the next, and how the lessons learned informed his perspective on both life and future works.
“Architecture isn’t just about materials; it’s about creating places,” Glenn Murcutt states. “It’s about prospect, refuge, climate, topography, flora, fauna—it’s about crafting beautiful spaces that connect with the landscape.”
The book opens with reflections by Glenn Murcutt, extracted from conversations with architect Nick Sissons at his home in Mosman. The reflections cover his childhood, studying, early days of practice, architectural influences, ‘prospect and refuge’ and ‘designing in an Australian landscape’.
Glenn Murcutt Unbuilt Works by Nick Sissons, published by Thames & Hudson Australia.