Happy 89th Birthday! To Sir Peter Cook (born October 22, 1936).

Cook is an English architect, lecturer, and writer, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for his work and teaching.

Cook graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London in 1960, during a time of radical change, optimism, social activism, and creative exploration.

Haven't heard of Peter Cook or any of the buildings he designed?

Maybe because much of what he created and became notable for, after 65 years, is yet to be constructed.

This week, I explore a group of architects known as the Archigram Group, whose unbuilt projects and media-savvy provocations "spawned the most influential architectural movement of the 1960s.

And why I want to become Peter Cook's friend.

But first.

I've often thought how, by reliously entering the unbuilt categories, someone could become an ARDA-winning rockstar, celebrated for designing bold and innovative custom homes, remodels, and multi-family projects—yet never see any of their creations brought to life.

The American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) is described as an awards program spotlighting "design excellence in the residential building industry," not a competition limited to completed or constructed work.

Is it okay if projects stay unbuilt?

After learning about the Archigram Group, I have hope. Yet, I don't know how one would make a living at it. Then I'm reminded of the one-liner, "How do you make a small fortune in architecture? Begin with a large fortune."

The ARDA program acknowledges that design innovation can influence the industry and inspire others while remaining "unbuilt." Many of the most influential architectural ideas in history—like those of Archigram—were recognized for their impact, creativity, and inspiration rather than their physical realization.

The Archigram Group seemed to figure this out over sixty years ago, but the more I dig into their history, the more it feels like a happy accident. Funny enough, this unplanned beginning is pretty similar to how many of today's unicorn companies got started. The big breakthroughs often pop up from unexpected places.

Here's their story.

The Archigram Group, consisting of six architects, including Peter Cook (not yet a Sir), Warren Chalk, Ron Herron, Dennis Crompton, Michael Webb, and David Greene, was a British avant-garde architectural collective that operated from 1961 to 1974. They believed in the power of imagination and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in architecture.

Peter Cook and David Greene, just out of the Architectural Association in London, got to know Michael Webb and met up regularly at a "greasy spoon" (their words, however, I would have used the same).

More were invited, leading to debates on architectural matters. This naturally led to discussions about creating a publication. The name they settled on? Archigram, a playful nod to "telegram."

By the time they reached the second issue, they had the goal of getting the attention of Warren, Ron, and Dennis, who worked for the London County Council (LCC).

They were successful and thus invited to participate in creating a "scheme" for Euston, a village in Suffolk. Someone they were very much in awe of, Cleo Crosby, "...moved around us, slightly bemused." Says Peter, years later.

Crosby suggested they do an exhibition about cities at the Institute of Contemporary Art, which led to their Living City project. At that point, the greasy spoon eaters and the LCC guys effectively became one group that others were calling the "Archigram Group," and so the name stuck.

Some press received from Living City

Archigram 4 became their flagship issue, which graduated from primarily slogans to ideas. From there, they were a group of schemers, some done by the group, others by the individuals, but all of them "discussable," as Peter puts it.

One of their most famous projects is the Walking City, a giant mobile metropolis on legs made up of different modules that could be moved to different locations depending on the needs of its inhabitants. This concept challenged traditional notions of fixed buildings and instead revisited a nomadic lifestyle.

It seems to me that we only need to figure out how to get a modern cruise ship to walk, and Walking City is a reality. Just saying.

Other notable projects include Instant City – a mobile collection of performance spaces and infrastructure that would travel (often by balloons) to underdeveloped towns, stimulate local culture and technology, then move on.

And Plug-in City (primarily by Cook), A mega-structure resembling a giant infrastructural frame into which modular residential units and amenities could be slotted, moved, or replaced, embodying the idea of a constantly evolving urban environment.

Of course, the next project that drew my attention was Plug-in Clip House, because the Plug-in City was going to need those. And it's more relevant to my work.

No images of the projects, unfortunately (only links). All Archigram works are still under copyright. However, here's the link to meander through all 200+ exhibits, entries, articles, and projects.

archigram.net/projects

I came across a publicly available image of a remarkable project by Peter Cook: the Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the Graz Art Museum. Completed in 2003, this architectural masterpiece stands as a striking example of Archigram influence.

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In the video below, Cook reflects on how Archigram experimented with radical ideas that combined technology, pop culture, and futuristic urbanism. He explains that the group was motivated and touches on the playful and experimental spirit of Archigram, emphasizing that their work focused more on ideas and imagination than on constructing actual buildings (00:04:18).

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If this week's Meander has sparked even the slightest inspiration, I have some exciting news that might just ignite your enthusiasm even further!

Archigram: The Magazine may be preordered on Amazon (Available November 11) for $195.

This authorized publication features exact facsimiles of all 10 issues (from number 1 in 1961 to the final issue 9½ in 1974). All the original surprises and idiosyncrasies are faithfully reproduced: flyers, pockets, a pop-up centerfold, posters, gatefolds, and an electronic resistor. (Only the seeds in the seed packet attached to issue 9 are not included, as seeds cannot be shipped across borders.) Unpacking Archigram (00:00:31).

Also included is a fully illustrated reader's guide featuring essays by Peter Cook, David Grahame Shane and Reyner Banham; tributes from the architectural community, and a scrapbook of previously unseen archival images; a bibliography of the partners' publications; and biographies.

While you're at it, send him an invite to enter his Plun-in Clip House as an "unbuilt" model home in the 2026 ARDA. The Call for Entries opens in March.