Customer Reviews

Modern Architecture (Oxford History of Art)

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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.

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.)

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.

I am an architecture student, and this is a great book for the money. The photography is well done, with a good selection.

This book provides a much easier way to view modern architecture than the usual method-To study each individual that impacted the world of architecture through this modern method and perspective of architecture. Consequentially, this book is easy to read but the depth isn't there, I would prefer the other Modern Architecture books,(see my other reviews). But for the casual reader, or anyone interested in history of architecture from the student to professor, this is an appropriate choice.

Each title in the Oxford History of Art series provides an overview to a particular time period, style or movement. This book focuses on modern architecture, starting with Art Nouveau in the 1890s and continuing through the modernist or International style of the 1950s and 1960s. In the introduction, the author explains that he is using the term "modern architecture" to mean "an architecture conscious of its own modernity and striving for change" (p. 9). He describes the historical context at the and of the 19th century, traces the development of different styles, and discusses the role of key architects in each movement.

This book is generously illustrated, with many color images complementing the period black-and-white photographs of interiors and exteriors of modern buildings. There are also many architectural plans, elevations, drawings, and sketches. It is a sturdy paperback with a strong binding. It would be useful to undergraduate students researching 20th century architecture, as well as general readers interested in the subject.

Didn't even open this book for my architecture class but if you are an architecture major than this book might be great.