Modern Architecture
Discussion
An interesting challenge.
My view ( which might not be where you heading ) is to first read Reynor Banham - 'theory and design in the first machine age' which will cover the new ideas of structure limiting the built form of the time. That introduces steel, concrete and cantilever.
That would then be a foundation on understanding the eclectic styles of the Modern Period and where new materials took them.
I suggest that would lead to understanding some of the more modern interpretations and styles.
As an aside, my own study has been paralleled with the art of the period which if you look carefully follows the same general principle. As an example look at the dutch architecture of Rietfeld and the art of Mondrian.
Hope this helps.
My view ( which might not be where you heading ) is to first read Reynor Banham - 'theory and design in the first machine age' which will cover the new ideas of structure limiting the built form of the time. That introduces steel, concrete and cantilever.
That would then be a foundation on understanding the eclectic styles of the Modern Period and where new materials took them.
I suggest that would lead to understanding some of the more modern interpretations and styles.
As an aside, my own study has been paralleled with the art of the period which if you look carefully follows the same general principle. As an example look at the dutch architecture of Rietfeld and the art of Mondrian.
Hope this helps.
It’s a big subject. That’s your problem. Reyner Banham is fine, but he was one of the authoritarian propagandists of Modernism, particularly the Gods of Modernism who were beyond criticism..... he wrote Architecture of the Well Tempered Environment, and Age of the Masters. You may get a warped perspective. Or you may understand how they went so catastrophically wrong.
You could do worse than read the latest edition of Banister Fletcher, History of Architecture, which is at least objective.
Or try Osbert Lancasters Cartoon History of Architecture, which is fun.
Having done that, try A Global History of Architecture by Francis D K Ching. Frank Ching is a genius. He has written a number of other books, including an Introduction to Architecture.
Then, if you want to know what really happens, read The Honeywood File.
Bear in mind, there are few subjects which give people more scope to talk complete bulls
t. If a book gets incomprehensible, bin it. And also remember, if you haven’t physically been in a building you don’t really understand it.
You could do worse than read the latest edition of Banister Fletcher, History of Architecture, which is at least objective.
Or try Osbert Lancasters Cartoon History of Architecture, which is fun.
Having done that, try A Global History of Architecture by Francis D K Ching. Frank Ching is a genius. He has written a number of other books, including an Introduction to Architecture.
Then, if you want to know what really happens, read The Honeywood File.
Bear in mind, there are few subjects which give people more scope to talk complete bulls
t. If a book gets incomprehensible, bin it. And also remember, if you haven’t physically been in a building you don’t really understand it.The above comments made me smile knowingly. Slightly off topic but I think worthwhile making.
Having been in Practice for more years than I care to remember, my bookshelves creak with books on all aspects of the profession. Last week, I decided to hang my t square up at the year end which sees me concluding a bespoke house for a lady client who ended up a close friend and holiday partner.
( they don't teach you that at architecture school )
That allows me to strongly endorse The Honeywood File as essential reading to anybody getting interested in this profession, and a similar book brought upto date called 'The Rubicon File'
When I was appointed to start the design work, she had been very disillusioned by a previous project, so i bought her the book as a Christmas present to introduce the reality of domestic architecture.
We are very close to completion and I had cause to reminder her with this Rubicon image - the reality !
Having been in Practice for more years than I care to remember, my bookshelves creak with books on all aspects of the profession. Last week, I decided to hang my t square up at the year end which sees me concluding a bespoke house for a lady client who ended up a close friend and holiday partner.
( they don't teach you that at architecture school )
That allows me to strongly endorse The Honeywood File as essential reading to anybody getting interested in this profession, and a similar book brought upto date called 'The Rubicon File'
When I was appointed to start the design work, she had been very disillusioned by a previous project, so i bought her the book as a Christmas present to introduce the reality of domestic architecture.
We are very close to completion and I had cause to reminder her with this Rubicon image - the reality !
Equus said:
cardigankid said:
I
Bear in mind, there are few subjects which give people more scope to talk complete bullst. .... And also remember, if you haven’t physically been in a building you don’t really understand it.
Ain't that the truth!Bear in mind, there are few subjects which give people more scope to talk complete bulls
t. .... And also remember, if you haven’t physically been in a building you don’t really understand it.Gassing Station | Books and Literature | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff