Descripciones mejoradas de Syndetics:

The most influential 20th century architects espousing modernism are brought together in critical discussion and independent profiles. This is accomplished through a short but discriminating examination of each architect's design work, an essay outlining the historical course and events that confirms his or her vital position, and a substantial bibliography at the completion of each profile. This sourcebook examines the life and creative activities of such founding architects as Wright, Eisenman, Van der Rohe, and Kahn, as well as their disciples. This volume will be of interest to social and cultural historians, scholars, students of all ages, architects, and the appreciative lay audience.

The architects and or firms chosen for the sourcebook were selected as a result of many years of research that required extensive reading of materials by respected experts. From such research, the editors were able to determine the individuals or groups who have been most influential in charting the course of a Westernized modern architecture. From evidence of their productive activities--proof in timber--there is a consensus that each made a unique contribution. The nature and measure of the contribution is discussed within each profile. Those whose reputations are based on paper only, with few buildings to prove their worth, are not included. The editors believe that architecture is an experiential art: all the senses must participate, and that requires the actual built product.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Illustrations
• Acknowledgments
• Preface
• Introduction
• Whither We Went Abbreviations
• The Sourcebook Appendices Coda Chronology and Founders
• Index

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Johnson and Langmead have compiled a sourcebook about modern architects, the criterion for inclusion being some significant contribution, either ideas or structures, to the profession. The book describes and examines the life and creative activities of founding architects. It is meant as a first step toward discovering the architects who initiated modern architecture during the 20th century. Entries are arranged alphabetically and consist of biographic profiles and bibliographies. Each profile provides a two-to-four-page biography with endnotes and a bibliography whose sections include "Writings," "Biographical," "Assessment," "Bibliographical," and "Archival." Entries are supported by a critical analysis of major accomplishments, buildings built or proposed, and, where appropriate, illustrations. Besides the biographic profiles, there is a brief chapter "Chronology and Founders." A separate section provides 52 plates of illustrations. Recommended for undergraduate, graduate, and larger public libraries. A. E. Bonnette; University of Southwestern Louisiana

Booklist Review

This scholarly reference is a guide to more than 80 twentieth-century architects who, in the opinion of the editors, have shaped modern architecture. The primary criterion for inclusion is "proof in timber," meaning that an architect's designs have actually been built and have had "proven influence." Entries are arranged alphabetically and follow the same format: a brief introduction provides basic facts and dates, followed by a detailed critical examination of each architect's career and body of work as well as an overview of contemporary historical and social conditions. Articles range from one or two paragraphs on designers such as John Dinkeloo or Nat Owings to up to five complete pages for luminaries such as Le Corbusier or Mies van der Rohe. Information varies from statistical facts to in-depth analyses of artistic styles and influences. Occasional personal anecdotes are also included. The international scope goes beyond North America and Europe; several Japanese architects (Arata Isozaki, Kenzo Tange, etc.) are included, as are Oscar Niemeyer from Brazil, Luis Barragan of Mexico, and Hassan Fathy of Egypt. Women are represented by Alison Smithson, Denise Neelakofski Scott Brown, and Marion Mahoney Griffin. There are also a few articles on influential styles and movements, such as Futurism and De Stijl. Of particular use to students and scholars are the extensive bibliographies that follow all selections. Numerous books and articles are divided into "Writings" (the architect's own works), "Biographical," "Assessment" (criticism and commentary), "Bibliographical," and "Archival" references. Publication dates generally range from the 1940s through the mid-1990s. Much of the material is in English and comes from publications and periodicals that should be readily available in most academic and larger public libraries. There are 54 references provided for Alvar Aalto; more than 80 are given for Frank Lloyd Wright. References are limited to printed materials only. Additional features include black-and-white photographs, drawings, and architectural plans. There are two indexes, one by place and the other by name. The editors (both university professors and authors) have produced a scholarly reference work that will be of particular interest to architecture students and practitioners. It updates some of the information in the second edition of Contemporary Architects [RBB Ja 15 88], which, though more comprehensive, is now quite old. Johnson and Langmead do not add many new architects to the canon--only a handful, including Tadao Ando and Mario Botta, do not appear in the earlier source. Still, large public and academic libraries where Contemporary Architects is used may want to add Makers of 20th Century Modern Architecture because it provides new information on lives and works as well as more current bibliographies.

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

DONALD LESLIE JOHNSON is a native of Washington state and was a member of Louis Kahn's master's class at the University of Pennsylvania. He taught architectural design, theory, and history at universities in the United States and Australia, taking early retirement from Flinders University. He is author of Frank Lloyd Wright versus America: The 1930s (1990) and with Donald Langmead, The Adelaide City Plan (1986). He has written extensively on Wright and Walt Griffin.

DONALD LANGMEAD is Associate Professor and Director of Research in the Faculty of Art, Architecture, and Design at the University of South Australia.