modern architecture since 1900 by william jr curtis

In the latter part of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth in western countries, it was common for architecture to revive historical styles such as the Classical and the Gothic. Architects in the twentieth century continued this exploration, and created buildings much higher and more complex than architects of previous eras could dream. Over the course of the nineteenth century, following the birth of the Industrial Revolution, architecture changed significantly, becoming increasingly less concerned with the past and more experimental, given innovations in building materials and technology. Dialog and affinities still exist between the two, however, especially in the development of the modernist and postmodern movements. In addition, because designing and constructing a building takes much more time and financial investment, movements in architectural history tend to rotate and evolve more slowly than avant-garde art movements occurring at the same time. Compared to the relative autonomy of painting or sculpture, architecture always has a functional purpose and is subject to the desires and needs of its patrons and its inhabitants, as well as the physical laws of engineering and physics. Seven chapters are entirely new, including expanded coverage of recent world architecture.ĭescribed by James Ackerman of Harvard University as 'immeasurably the finest work covering this field in existence', this book presents a penetrating analysis of the modern tradition and its origins, tracing the creative interaction between old and new that has generated such an astonishing richness of architectural forms across the world and throughout the century.Whether lecturing on architectural history in a class that also covers art, or within a survey on architectural history, it is important to remind your students that there are very different demands, limitations, and criteria when it comes to architectural innovation and history. Throughout the book the author's focus is on the individual architect, and on the qualities that give outstanding buildings their lasting value.įor the third edition, the text has been radically revised and expanded, incorporating much new material and a fresh appreciation of regional identity and variety. Technical, economic, social and intellectual developments are brought together in a comprehensive narrative which provides a setting for the detailed examination of buildings.

Worldwide in scope, it combines a clear historical outline with masterly analysis and interpretation. Since its first publication in 1982, Modern Architecture Since 1900 has become established as a contemporary classic.

Modern architecture since 1900 by william jr curtis