Seemingly disparate projects are grouped together in chapters according to an original taxonomy in order to reveal working methods and underlying strategies relating to some of the more complex roles that architecture plays in the twenty first century - a taxonomy that might help shift architectural thinking in developing contexts from normative to more conceptual territory. Proving it can be done, Don Albert & Partners advocate a position of NOT KNOWING that embraces research and enables a fresh start with each new project.
In addition to the Introduction that reveals the challenging conditions that frame the firms philosophy, a further essay by Nic Coetzer, PhD, champions the special place that metaphor has in the extraordinarily diverse output of Don Albert & Partners. Twenty-eight projects spanning over twelve years in practice are catalogued with reference to an original taxonomy. An interview with Don Albert follows, and reveals more of the cultural and personal influences that have shaped his design philosophy and the trajectory of the firm.
Finally, as a collection of both built work and theoretical projects, SOUND SPACE DESIGN operates as a resource through the careful selection of drawings, renderings and photographs that illustrate the firm's most beautiful and inspiring work to date.

Don Albert is the design principal of Don Albert & Partners, an award-winning firm of architects based in Durban, South Africa. Don is a Fulbright scholar and graduated with a Masters in Architecture (Urban Design) from the University of California (1998). Don has built, exhibited and taught extensively in South Africa and internationally, and currently operates between South Africa, India and China.
Nic Coetzer obtained a B.Arch degree from the University of Natal in 1994 and an M.Arch degree from the University of Colorado in 1996. His Ph.D. 'The Production of the City as a White Space: Representing and Restructuring Identity and Architecture, Cape Town, 1892-1936,' was awarded from the Bartlett, University College London, in 2004. He is presently a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town's architecture department where he teaches design, history and the theory of architecture.