Ecologies of Steel is a book about the past, present & future of steel    

Ecologies of Steel is a four thousand year cultural history of a material. It explores what steel has designed as well as what has been designed with steel.

In nine chapters the book examines the crucial role of iron and steel in the making of ancient and modern worlds. Not only are the enormous variety of things made of iron and steel discussed – railways, ships, cars, buildings, bridges, weapons and machines of all kinds –  but also the little known ancient history of iron and steel making.

The transformation of ores into metal, and metal into finished products, are shown to be connected to the development of so much else, such as:

¾ alchemy, magic and science

¾ the destruction, as well as the conservation of forests

¾ the nature of industrial processes and workplace

¾ the quality of air, water and biophysical ecologies

¾ the character of built environments and the form of cities

The principal author, Tony Fry is a designer & writer who has taught design history & theory in universities in Europe, the Americas, Australia & Asia. Previous books include A New Design Philosophy: An Iintroduction to Defuturing (1999) & Remakings: Ecology, Design, Philosophy (1993). Co-author, Anne-Marie Willis has researched & written on technologies & materials, previous books include Timber in Context: A Guide to Sustainable Use (1998) & Picturing Australia: A History of Photography (1988). Both are currently directors of the design consultancy, Team D/E/S & editors of the online journal Design Philosophy Papers.