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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
modernism retrospect, February 19, 2005
This review is from: Modern Architecture (Oxford History of Art) (Paperback)
Rather than just writing a history of modern architecture, Colquhoun distilled a polemical theory into this succint historical writing. This book could be read as a history book and a polemical theory book on architecture in the 20th century.
Rather than chronologically writing a survey of modern architectural history, Colquhoun placed emphasis on certain modern architects (Loos, Wright, Corbusier, Mies and Kahn) whom he thought, had brought substantial influences to the modern architecture. He used these architects as examples to illustrate the formation of modernism and the phenomenon of modern society. Other than just analysed the work, Colquhoun brought a dynamic discussion of architects' theory, criticism and also relevant references. From there, he provided his critical point of view.
His discussion on Corbusier, Mies and Kahn were fascinating and profound. It would certainly open a new chapter for those who already knew these architects very well. Colquhoun used Corbusier and Mies as two representatives of a dialectic flows in modern architectural movements: 'functionalism' and 'rationalism' accordingly. The whole book ended with the works of Louis Kahn. To Colquhoun, Kahn's 'Rational Functionalism' provided a way out to modern architecture.
He says at the end of the book, 'Modernism was to survive, but only after abandoning it's totalizing claims and by a process of continual self-cancellation. Paradoxically, the work of Louis Kahn- anchored as it was in a belief in a transcendent order - was one of the chief propelling agents in this emerging regime of uncertainty.'
Readers might disagree with Colquhoun's point of view, but could not disagree with his extremely insightful and rigorous approach in understanding modern architecture. Most importantly, this book invites us to develop our own critical point of view towards the architecture culture.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Modern Architecture, April 17, 2004
This review is from: Modern Architecture (Oxford History of Art) (Paperback)
Who needs another history of the modern movement? Coloquhoun, emeritus professor of architecture at Princeton, shows us why in this wonderfully succinct, readable, and opinionated account of movements and formgivers, from European art nouveau to the post-war decades in America. Each of the chapters focuses on a theme or a region, ranging from the artistry of Loos to the social engineering of Scandinavia. Though most of the examples are familiar, the author gives them a fresh spin-starting with the cover illustration of Hans Scharoun's Schminke house of 1933, now restored and used as a day care center. It embodies the daring and idealism that powered the modern movement and is now being rediscovered. (Michael Webb is the book reviewer for LA Architect magazine.)
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Succint, yet profound, August 28, 2002
This review is from: Modern Architecture (Oxford History of Art) (Paperback)
It was a moment of joy to find a new book by Alan Colquhoun. After many years of silence, at least in the form of publication, Colquhoun has opened new horizons to the architects who are interested in Modern Architecture. Similar to his earlier works, the book not only depicts his own personified interpretation of the buildings, but also tracks down what has caused such stream of production. Moreover, as an architect-based scholar, his viewpoints are provacative to designers.
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