In the design practice of architects and designers, copies and reproductions are much more than just duplicates. In fact, they are a source of inspiration and innovation. From blueprints and whiteprints to colourful adhesive films (Zips) and photocopies, these copying techniques have fundamentally transformed the way architects work.

For the first time, Invented from Copies reveals this surprising story. This publication demonstrates how analogue copies and reproductions shaped creative practice and created new possibilities within the design process between 1870 and 2000. It examines four influential reproduction methods used by architects: the blueprint, the whiteprint, Zips and the photocopy. Among other topics, Invented from Copies explores the role of analogue copies in the design processes of Pierre Cuypers, Gerrit Rietveld, Van den Broek en Bakema, Carel Weeber, and Jo Coenen.

Featuring a wealth of previously unknown visual material from the National Collection for Dutch Architecture and Urban Planning at the Nieuwe Instituut, Invented from Copies is both a visual spectacle and an indispensable source of new insights for architects, designers, historians and collection managers alike. The book makes a compelling case for reevaluating photocopies and analogue reproductions in architectural collections worldwide.

In the design practice of architects and designers, copies and reproductions are much more than just duplicates. In fact, they are a source of inspiration and innovation. From blueprints and whiteprints to colourful adhesive films (Zips) and photocopies, these copying techniques have fundamentally transformed the way architects work.

For the first time, Invented from Copies reveals this surprising story. This publication demonstrates how analogue copies and reproductions shaped creative practice and created new possibilities within the design process between 1870 and 2000. It examines four influential reproduction methods used by architects: the blueprint, the whiteprint, Zips and the photocopy. Among other topics, Invented from Copies explores the role of analogue copies in the design processes of Pierre Cuypers, Gerrit Rietveld, Van den Broek en Bakema, Carel Weeber, and Jo Coenen.

Featuring a wealth of previously unknown visual material from the National Collection for Dutch Architecture and Urban Planning at the Nieuwe Instituut, Invented from Copies is both a visual spectacle and an indispensable source of new insights for architects, designers, historians and collection managers alike. The book makes a compelling case for reevaluating photocopies and analogue reproductions in architectural collections worldwide.