Architecture After Modernism (World of Art) [Paperback]

Diane Ghirardo (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 050020294X | ISBN-13: 978-0500202944 | Publication Date: November 17, 1996

An examination of the architectural world and its theories since the late 1960s in the context of social and political issues. It looks at a broad survey of buildings, but focuses on specific "megaprojects" as examples for discussion: the Disney empire and its amusement parks in the context of public space and the IBA in Berlin in the context of domestic space.

Its discussion of the reshaping of urban environment focuses on London's Dockland, the most ambitious and politically sensitive development in postwar Britain. It also considers the work of lesser-known designers and women architects as well as famous international stars.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Though students of architectural design are often most engaged by current work, critical histories of recent architecture are not plentiful. For that reason, Ghirardo's (Out of Site: A Social Criticism of Architecture, LJ 4/1/91) book makes a significant contribution to information resources on the architecture of the past 25 years. In particular, the postmodern and deconstructivist work of the last ten years is emphasized in her clear, if not especially elegant, prose. In the introduction, the author constructs a historiography of architectural thought and criticism since the reign of modernism; she then divides the chapters not chronologically but thematically, discussing public space, domestic space, and "the urban sphere," this last section being untypically meandering at times. The strength of the book lies in its broad and international selection of examples, although, regrettably, many of them are discussed without illustration. The biggest disappointment is the relatively small number of photographs in color; by contrast, those in black and white are noticeably less descriptive. Recommended for all architecture collections.?Paul Glassman, Pratt Inst. Lib., Brooklyn
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Though students of architectural design are often most engaged by current work, critical histories of recent architecture are not plentiful. For that reason, Ghirardo's (Out of Site: A Social Criticism of Architecture, LJ 4/1/91) book makes a significant contribution to information resources on the architecture of the past 25 years. In particular, the postmodern and deconstructivist work of the last ten years is emphasized in her clear, if not especially elegant, prose. In the introduction, the author constructs a historiography of architectural thought and criticism since the reign of modernism; she then divides the chapters not chronologically but thematically, discussing public space, domestic space, and "the urban sphere," this last section being untypically meandering at times. The strength of the book lies in its broad and international selection of examples, although, regrettably, many of them are discussed without illustration. The biggest disappointment is the relatively small number of photographs in color; by contrast, those in black and white are noticeably less descriptive. Recommended for all architecture collections. -- Paul Glassman

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (November 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 050020294X
• ISBN-13: 978-0500202944
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #398,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific, May 1, 2001

By 

Martin Sommer "Tincho" (berkeley, ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Architecture After Modernism (World of Art) (Paperback)

Thought provoquing and illuminating. Always analyzing architecture from the larger scope of society. Never apologetic nor reserved in her comments, the author comes out as a real person. Whether you agree or disagree with her, I prefer a book like this one than a nonjudgemental review of buildings trends and theories. Wonderfully illustrated, and very clear in most passages. I really enjoyed the analysis of public spaces.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As Diane's Student, June 19, 2001

By 

R. H. Marquez (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Architecture After Modernism (World of Art) (Paperback)

I have the luxery of learning under Diane, and this book is required for one of the 3 courses she teaches. What makes Diane and her work compelling is that she is able to use history to defend and defeat modern architecture. Clear and consise, Diane's work will follow the background thoughts of many future architects.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Technical but interesting, June 13, 2000

By 

Peter F. Stubbs (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Architecture After Modernism (World of Art) (Paperback)

Though this was a required text for school, I find myself reading it weeks after finals. It assumes a basic knowledge of Architecture & isn't for the casual reader, but there's much good information to be had. Tends to make me want to travel to the places mentioned.