Inside the Matrix: The Radical Designs of Ken Isaac

By Susan Snodgrass Inside the Matrix: The Radical Designs of Ken Isaacs surveys the highly individual practice of American architect and designer Ken Isaacs (1927-2016), whose populist, DIY designs created from the 1950s to the 1970s challenged conventional architectural concepts in housing, as well as mainstream definitions of modernism. His flexible, accessible plans provided alternative solutions to the spatial and environmental challenges of midcentury modern life while influencing subsequent generations of architects and designers interested in nomadic architecture, sustainability, and DIY practices. Chicago-based author and critic Susan Snodgrass, who worked closely with Isaacs to exhibit his work while he was alive, drew on Isaacs's archive to include never-before-published photos of his projects in this overview of his richly imaginative designs. This volume also features the design work of Partner & Partners (a worker-owned design practice), who drew on Isaacs's books for inspiration. Edited by Mairead Case and Half Letter Press Designed by Devika Sen and Greg Mihalko (Partner & Partners) Published by Half Letter Press, 2019 Printed in a limited edition of 1,000 copies Softcover, 80 pages, full-color offset, 5.5 × 8.5 inches ISBN: 978-1-73-205141-6