Modern architecture; except on its engineering side; has not yet found itself. So stated Claude Bragdon in this 1915 book. An architect himself-and one of the most fascinating thinkers of the early 20th century-Bragdon here blames the urban disconnect from the natural world for the dearth of ornamentation to rival ancient civilizations; which drew inspiration from nature.As an alternative; Bragdon offers geometry as an appropriately modern; scientific inducement to ornament; and delves into the mystical mathematics of magic lines and magic squares; of tesseracts and hyperspheres; demonstrating their beauty and grace. Complete with charming line drawings of historical architecture and new; geometrically playful forms; this is a book artists and beauty-seekers today will continue to find provocative.Other works by Bragdon available from Cosimo Classics: Yoga for You; The Eternal Poles; Four-Dimensional Vistas; The Beautiful Necessity; Architecture and Democracy; Episodes from An Unwritten History; and A Primer of Higher Space (The Fourth Dimension).American architect; stage designer; and writer CLAUDE FAYETTE BRAGDON (1866-1946) helped found the Rochester Architectural Club; in the city where he made his greatest mark as a building designer with structures including Rochester Central Station; Rochester Institute of Technology; and the First Universalist Church; he also designed Peterborough Bridge in Ontario. In later life; Bragdon worked on Broadway as scenic designer for 1930s productions of Cyrano de Bergerac and Hamlet; among others.
#791198 in eBooks 2008-05-27 2008-05-27File Name: B001A4E2O0
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Melissa K. LawsonGreat history and one of a kind photos.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very InterestingBy S. MulaySince I just bought a summer cottage in Cashiers; NC. I was very interested in learning a little of its history. This book was very informative and loved the old photos!
