Customer Reviews

Hugo Haring

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This is a highly informative exploration of an architect who is still relatively unknown to the English speaking world. Haring was the father of the modern German organic tradition in architecture, and without a knowledge of his ideas an understanding of the architecture of Scharoun, Behnisch, and Fehling and Gogel - among others - cannot be properly had. This book is written in Blundell Jones' usual highly entertaining and conceptually-focussed way; I was especially impressed by his co-presentation of large tracts of Haring's writings with a helpful running analysis. Impressive also are the startling insights of Margot Aschenbrenner. Also illuminating is the revelation of Haring influences such as Oswald Spengler and Leo Frobenius. Many previously unpublished drawings are included. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in modern architecture, and particularly in 'the other tradition' which is usually represented only by such figures as Wright and Aalto.

I just received my book today and was disappointed in the size and amount of the images of Haring's work. I was enticed by the great image on the cover, but the book is primarily text and small black and white plans that are hard to read. I am sure the text will be interesting but I am a real picture person and was sad to need my magnifying glass to discover Haring's work.