Because of years of experience in those groups and sometimes leading them, I was very disappointed in the overall content and depth of the essays. The author highlights how our simple interactions with people can help to shift our focus, and others', toward a more insightful understanding of the world and our place within it. Wonderfully lyrical, deep feeling and entertaining, this is a real love letter to the spontaneous and delightful encounters we open up to when we leave the house. This may sound very dramatic, but the reason it is worth mentioning is the project we worked on and the questions he asked me turned into my own personal rabbit-hole of life.

Encounterism is not a book about architecture, it is a book is about everyday joy; which for me acutely manifests itself in the everyday joy of being an architect. A joyful, thoughtful, poetic exploration of everyday human encounters, reframing these overlooked moments as the unique and beautiful encounters that they are. A friend once said she didn't think there's been a time when we were, but I don't believe that and hope that I can remember that my encounters with others is my opportunity to spread kindness so it can grow. The authors little stories are good reminders about the joys of being in person for a time when we're all often focused on the potential awkwardness, tense situations, or even danger. And whether he's guiding us into mass snowball fights on the streets of London or the meaning of holding hands, this unmet stranger cheerfully reminds us all of the value of touch and the virtue of trying to see the world anew.This brought into question my own hopes/dreams thus far – what they were when I was 10 years old – and it put a time-frame on the next 30 year cycle-of-life.

The light touch of a hairdresser's hands on one's scalp, the euphoric energy of a nightclub, huddling with strangers under a shelter in the rain, a spontaneous snowball fight in the street, a daily interaction with a homeless man--such mundane connections, when we closely inhabit the same space, and touch or are touched by others, were nearly lost to "social distancing.

It is therefore no surprise that the author, Andy Field, is performance artist that specialises in human interaction. Snatches of ideas drifted in and out during his discussion but it had a meandering feel I was happy when the chapter ended. There are nine chapters with "Notes on Sources' at the end of the book that directs you to the articles read in preparation for this book.

Andy Field's prose feels like you've just sat down with a random stranger who is sharing their experiences and musings with you. To be clear, Field is not writing as some man-child, he is however an adult who hasn’t been worn down by the repetition and responsibilities of adulthood. Each chapter looks at a different encounter - such as getting a haircut, going to the cinema, or holding hands - and through a blending together of personal stories with other elements like social history, art, science, psychology, Field creates a fascinating, expansive portrait. Haughty nightclubs, community parks, backs of car seats and movie theaters give us physical space to relate differently, and be different. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.What understanding of the world, and of each other, are we depriving ourselves of as we spend less and less time in proximity to all these strangers and their lives that are so very different from our own? We collaborate with authors across all adult fiction genres, and also handle children’s books, young adult and cross-over fiction. The light touch of a hairdresser’s hands on one’s scalp, the euphoric energy of a nightclub, huddling with strangers under a shelter in the rain, a spontaneous snowball fight in the street, a daily interaction with a homeless man―such mundane connections, when we closely inhabit the same space, and touch or are touched by others, were nearly lost to “social distancing.

The chapter also showcases his strong attention to detail such as the Steve James "City so Real" documentary. Given Feld's theater background and openness to experience, I enjoyed imagining these experiences if they were crafted into scenes of improv and fringe theater.A portrait that is so joyous and insightful that I couldn't help but see my own everyday interactions in a whole new light. I've always been interested in learning about most people I meet, but I'm also guilty of being dismissive (and occasionally rude) if I encounter someone on a bad day. These days we may be more accurately described digital flaneurs, disconnected from our bodies without conscious thought. It is worth declaring that I had a single ‘in person’ encounter with Field in April 2022, which pretty much changed my life. The RA is a unique institution, an independent charity with a mission to be a clear, strong voice for art and artists, where art is made, exhibited and debated.