Richard Neutra, 1892-1970: Survival Through Design (Taschen Basic Architecture) [Paperback]

Barbara Lamprecht (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3822827738 | ISBN-13: 978-3822827734 | Publication Date: February 1, 2004

The quintessential California Modernist "The continual refinement of human knowledge of the body and soul came to be one and the same thing for me, and the architecture of human living space its most necessary application and valuation." - Richard Neutra Born and raised in Vienna, Richard Neutra (1872-1970) came to America early in his career, settling in California. His influence on post-war architecture is undisputed, the sunny climate and rich landscape being particularly suited to his cool, sleek modern style. Neutra had a keen appreciation for the relationship between people and nature; his trademark plate glass walls and ceilings which turn into deep overhangs have the effect of connecting the indoors with the outdoors. Neutra's ability to incorporate technology, aesthetics, science, and nature into his designs him recognition as one of Modernist architecture's greatest talents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Place Man in relationship to Nature; that's where he developed and where he feels most at home!" Richard Neutra; Richard Joseph Neutra is considered one of the world's most influential modern architects. His innovative and open design express the freedom from conventions that may find in Southern California."

From the Publisher

Part of TASCHEN's Basic Architecture Series

Basic Architecture features:
• Each title contains approximately 120 images, including photographs, sketches, drawings, and floor plans
• Introductory essays explore the architect’s life and work, touching on family and background as well as collaborations with other architects
• The body presents the most important works in chronological order, with descriptions of client and/or architect wishes, construction problems (why some projects were never executed), and resolutions
• The appendix includes a list of complete works, biography, bibliography and a map indicating the locations of the architect’s most famous buildings

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Taschen (February 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822827738
• ISBN-13: 978-3822827734
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,030,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars extremely well-written, October 24, 2004

By 

K. Brown (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Richard Neutra, 1892-1970: Survival Through Design (Taschen Basic Architecture) (Paperback)

I have written two research papers on Richard Neutra and therefore have read lots and lots of books about the architect and his evocative buildings. This book, while admittedly just a quick look at Neutra's major works, is well-written (even lyric at times), packed with information, and interesting. She discusses his background and influences, theories of biorealism and technology, and characteristic stylistic language. The quality of the photographs is excellent--they are crisp and clear and literally pop out of the page, alive with contrast and color. I bought this book on a whim thinking that it would be just "fun" compared to longer, more involved texts, but it has become my favorite!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction and a Wonderful Value, August 29, 2005

By 

Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Richard Neutra, 1892-1970: Survival Through Design (Taschen Basic Architecture) (Paperback)

The German Publishing Company, Taschen has recently introduced a series of paperback monographs covering the lives and works of the Twentieth Century's greatest architects.

The series follows a standardized format. The books are 96 pages long and begin with an introductory biographical chapter. The book then moves onto brief chapters highlighting the master architect's most iconic buildings. The book is very well written and his covered head to toe with beautiful photographs. The book is of the high quality that one generally associates with Taschen publishing.

Richard Neutra, an Austrian immigrant helped introduce the United States to European "modernism". His early works shows the clear influence of Bauhuas. What made Neutra one of the great architects is that he took modernist ideas and gave them a uniquely American character. We are currently experiencing a mid century modern revival and Richard Neutra was one of creators of that style. This book is a wonderful introduction to the works of this great architect. Taschen hits another home run! A great value. Highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tasty Architectural Appetizer, April 9, 2010

By 

E. Jarolin (Wyoming, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Richard Neutra, 1892-1970: Survival through Design, 25th Anniversary Edition (Hardcover)

A nice presentation of representative works selected from throughout Neutra's long career. While none of the buildings receive truly in depth coverage informative text is provided on each. Photographic coverage, mostly b&w with a generous smattering of color, has each building covered adequately, with photo size ranging from full page down to a smallish 2x3 inches. Reasonably sized floor plans are also included, though they suffer from a lack of room indentification labels. Works covered include 15 houses, an apartment building and various types of community structures. Also touched on are the "Diatom Series" prefab housing designs and the utopian "Rush City Reformed" urban planning scheme. A "Life & Work Timeline" concludes the presentation.

All in all, an economically priced introduction to the work of Richard Neutra which left me hungry for more.