In the decades following World War II; modern architecture spread around the globe alongside increased modernization; urbanization; and postwar reconstruction—and it eventually won widespread acceptance. But as the limitations of conventional conceptions of modernism became apparent; modern architecture has come under increasing criticism. In this collection of essays; experienced and emerging scholars take a fresh look at postwar modern architecture by asking what it meant to be "modern;" what role modern architecture played in constructing modern identities; and who sanctioned (or was sanctioned by) modernism in architecture.This volume presents focused case studies of modern architecture in three realms—political; religious; and domestic—that address our very essence as human beings. Several essays explore developments in Czechoslovakia; Romania; and Yugoslavia and document a modernist design culture that crossed political barriers; such as the Iron Curtain; more readily than previously imagined. Other essays investigate various efforts to reconcile the concerns of modernist architects with the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian institutions. And a final group of essays looks at postwar homebuilding in the United States and demonstrates how malleable and contested the image of the American home was in the mid-twentieth century. These inquiries show the limits of canonical views of modern architecture and reveal instead how civic institutions; ecclesiastical traditions; individual consumers; and others sought to sanction the forms and ideas of modern architecture in the service of their respective claims or desires to be modern.
#399706 in eBooks 2014-06-19 2014-06-19File Name: B00K80KIQI
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must-read on cities and city planningBy Robert A. PadgugOne of the most important books on city planning and related matters of the last century. Should be read by anyone interested in the subject. The book is; of course; not perfect and much has happened since its publication; much due to the influence of Jacobs herself; but it is still a great guide to cities in the US (and to a lesser extent elsewhere).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I think Jane Jacobs is brilliant and thoughtfulBy TaylorI think Jane Jacobs is brilliant and thoughtful. Her writing is a little repetitive but well worth the read. I recommend this if you are an Urban studies / Political Science major or minor.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A classic book from the queen of humane urbanityBy Max M. FuhlendorfShe is a genius; and since this book was written in the sixties; could be called an oracle. If you have ANY curiosity about why cities fails their citizens so often; this is an absolute must-read.
