Critical Regionalism is a notion which gained popularity in architectural debate as a synthesis of universal; modern elements and individualistic elements derived from local cultures. This book shifts the focus from Critical Regionalism towards a broader concept of Transcultural Architecture and defines Critical Regionalism as a subgroup of the latter. One of the benefits that this change of perspective brings about is that a large part of the political agenda of Critical Regionalism; which consists of resisting attitudes forged by typically Western experiences; is softened and negotiated according to premises provided by local circumstances. A further benefit is that several responses dependent on factors that initial definitions of Critical Regionalism never took into account can now be considered. At the book’s centre is an analysis of Reima and Raili Pietilä’s Sief Palace Area project in Kuwait. Further cases of modern architecture in China; Korea; and Saudi Arabia show that the critique; which holds that Critical Regionalism is a typical western exercise; is not sound in all circumstances. The book argues that there are different Critical Regionalisms and not all of them impose Western paradigms on non-Western cultures. Non-Western regionalists can also successfully participate in the Western enlightened discourse; even when they do not directly and consciously act against Western models. Furthermore; the book proposes that a certain architectural rationality can be contained in architecture itself - not imposed by outside parameters like aesthetics; comfort; or even tradition; but flowing out of a social game of which architecture is a part. The key concept is that of the form of life; as developed by Ludwig Wittgenstein; whose thoughts are here linked to Critical Regionalism. Kenneth Frampton argues that Critical Regionalism offers something well beyond comfort and accommodation. What he has in mind are ethical prescripts closely linked to a
#334671 in eBooks 2016-11-08 2016-11-08File Name: B01CO343J4
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Barely readable Kindle editionBy ewaffleKindle edition--not really unreadable but nearly so. Poor formatting by publisher with line numbers below the lines they refer to which spaces out the text in an ungainly way. I returned the Kindle edition for a refund and ordered the printed WSP paperback. Because of the significant front matter the sample I ordered didnt show the text of the play so the odd formatting wasnt evident.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ldquo;I am amazedhellip;and lose my way among the thorns and dangers of this world.rdquo; (3.5 stars)By B. Wilfongldquo;King Johnrdquo; is often overlooked when one reads Shakespeare. and it should not be. as it has some great things to add to the canon. By the way. I give "King John" a 3.5 star rating compared to other Shakespeare. not to literature as a whole. The Bard is in a class of his own.The Pelican series edition of this play has a very nice introduction by Claire McEachern in which she gives an informative discourse on the character of Philip the Bastard. Although Philip usually gets all the critical attention in this piece my favorite character is Constance. sister in law to King John and the mother of Johnrsquo;s rival for the English throne. Act III:1 give Constance a chance to really show her stuff. She has some blistering moments. and Act III as a whole is by far the most engaging and strongest in the play. Constancersquo;s exit from the piece is her best scene and Shakespeare writes a grieving motherrsquo;s storm of emotions as strongly as in any of his other works.At its core ldquo;King Johnrdquo; is really a play about the medieval issues brought about by ldquo;Pope v. Princerdquo; and how secular and religious power used each other for gain. You can almost feel Shakespearersquo;s Protestant Elizabethan audience hissing at the machinations of the Catholic villain Cardinal Pandulph as he manipulates the French and English royal powers in some of the plays most intriguing scenes. Another fine moment is Act III:3 when King John and Hubert share a conversation that is delicious in its duplicity. and all of it achieved with minimal words.Despite a weak Act V (the only reason I feel this is not a 4 star effort by Shakespeare) the play ends on a patriotic note. sounding a clarion call for Englishmen to always unite in common cause. One can see how ldquo;King Johnrdquo; was an early indication of Shakespearersquo;s skill and why it still endures.As for the Pelican Shakespeare series. they are my favorite editions as the scholarly research is usually top notch and the editions themselves look good as an aesthetic unit. It looks and feels like a play and this compliments the texts contents admirably. The Pelican series was recently reedited and has the latest scholarship on Shakespeare and his time period. Well priced and well worth it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. King John has good antitheist quotesBy Dylan BrayKING JOHN Though you and all the kings of Christendom Are [mis] led so grossly by this meddling priest (the Pope). Dreading the curse that money (purchase of an ldquo;indulgencerdquo;) may buy out (excuse). And. by the merit of vile gold. dross. dust. Purchase corrupted pardon of a man (purchase an ldquo;indulgencerdquo; from a man). Who in that sale sells pardon from himself. (who by selling ldquo;indulgencesrdquo; supposedly pardons his own sins but actually damns himself) Though you - and all the rest so grossly [mis]led - This juggling witchcraft with revenue cherish. (cherish this juggling of revenue by means of witchcraft) Yet. I. alone. alone do me oppose Against the Pope and count his friends my foes.
