Architecture and Modernity: A Critique / Edition 1

by Hilde Heynen

Overview

Bridges the gap between the history and theory of twentieth-century architecture and cultural theories of modernity.

In this exploration of the relationship between modernity, dwelling, and architecture, Hilde Heynen attempts to bridge the gap between the discourse of the modern movement and cultural theories of modernity. On one hand, she discusses architecture from the perspective of critical theory, and on the other, she modifies positions within critical theory by linking them with architecture. She assesses architecture as a cultural field that structures daily life and that embodies major contradictions inherent in modernity, arguing that architecture nonetheless has a certain capacity to adopt a critical stance vis-à-vis modernity.

Besides presenting a theoretical discussion of the relation between architecture, modernity, and dwelling, the book provides architectural students with an introduction to the discourse of critical theory. The subchapters on Walter Benjamin, Ernst Bloch, Theodor Adorno, and the Venice School (Tafuri, Dal Co, Cacciari) can be studied independently for this purpose.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780262581899
Publisher:	MIT Press
Publication date:	02/28/2000
Series:	The MIT Press
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	7.06(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.77(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

What People are Saying About This

South Carolina Review

[A] very helpful synthetic overview of the principal positions in critical theory's arguments over modernity.

K. Michael Hays

At a moment of startling intensity, centered around the late-1920s, both architects and critical theorists were grappling with the conceptual problems of modernity, yet each group remained largely unaware of the efforts of the other. Through careful readings of both the architectural projects and the critical texts, Hilde Heynen now weaves together the concepts and categories, as well as searing critiques and radical recommendations, that emerged from that situation. Architecture's deep engagement with the construction and the critique of modernity—its liberating potential as well as crushing limitations—was never more vividly narrated.

Joan Ockman

This book's great cirtue is its effectiveness in reframing a set of critical ideas about cultural modernity that have come to be of crucial importance in contemporary architectural discourse. Hilde Heynen's rereadings of selected philosophical texts and episodes of architectural history are consistently clarifying and discriminating.

Kenneth Frampton

Beginning with the irreducible homelessness of the post-industrial world and discriminating en route in a revealing way between the 'pastoral' and the 'impastoral' modern architectural ideology, Hilde Heynen has written an exceptionally lucid and seminal text that should be read and re-read, not only by every architectural student but also by anyone else who happens to be involved in the field, by they architect, critic or client. Focusing with exceptional clarity upon the vicissitudes of twentieth century critical thought. The author covers an enormous but selective trajectory which enables one to trace the line that runs however imperceptibly between Ernst May on the one hand and Rem Koolhaas on the other.

Beatriz Colomina

Architecture and Modernity traces some of the most important momentsof the discourse on the 'crisis' of architecture brought about by thechanges of modernity.

Endorsement

Architecture and Modernity traces some of the most important momentsof the discourse on the 'crisis' of architecture brought about by thechanges of modernity.

—Beatriz Colomina, School of Architecture, Princeton University

From the Publisher

[A] very helpful synthetic overview of the principal positions in critical theory's arguments over modernity.

—South Carolina Review

This book's great cirtue is its effectiveness in reframing a set of critical ideas about cultural modernity that have come to be of crucial importance in contemporary architectural discourse. Hilde Heynen's rereadings of selected philosophical texts and episodes of architectural history are consistently clarifying and discriminating.

—Joan Ockman, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University

Beginning with the irreducible homelessness of the post-industrial world and discriminating en route in a revealing way between the 'pastoral' and the 'impastoral' modern architectural ideology, Hilde Heynen has written an exceptionally lucid and seminal text that should be read and re-read, not only by every architectural student but also by anyone else who happens to be involved in the field, by they architect, critic or client. Focusing with exceptional clarity upon the vicissitudes of twentieth century critical thought. The author covers an enormous but selective trajectory which enables one to trace the line that runs however imperceptibly between Ernst May on the one hand and Rem Koolhaas on the other.

—Kenneth Frampton, Columbia University

At a moment of startling intensity, centered around the late-1920s, both architects and critical theorists were grappling with the conceptual problems of modernity, yet each group remained largely unaware of the efforts of the other. Through careful readings of both the architectural projects and the critical texts, Hilde Heynen now weaves together the concepts and categories, as well as searing critiques and radical recommendations, that emerged from that situation. Architecture's deep engagement with the construction and the critique of modernity—its liberating potential as well as crushing limitations—was never more vividly narrated.

—K. Michael Hays, Professor of Architectural Theory, Harvard University

This book traces some of the most important moments of the discourse on the crisis of architecture in the face of modernity. From a Frankfurt School perspective, it carefully reconsiders famous arguments while adding welcome surprises like Constant's New Babylon. A good introduction to the dilemmas of the last century.

—Beatriz Colomina, Professor of Architecture, Princeton University

Architecture and Modernity traces some of the most important momentsof the discourse on the 'crisis' of architecture brought about by thechanges of modernity.

—Beatriz Colomina, School of Architecture, Princeton University

Editorial Reviews

"[A] very helpful synthetic overview of the principal positions in critical theory's arguments over modernity."--"South Carolina Review"

& quot; [A] very helpful synthetic overview of the principal positions in critical theory's arguments over modernity.& quot; -- South Carolina Review

" [A] very helpful synthetic overview of the principal positions in critical theory's arguments over modernity." -- "South Carolina Review"

"ÝA¨ very helpful synthetic overview of the principal positions in critical theory's arguments over modernity."-- "South Carolina Review"

From the Publisher

Heynen (architecture, Catholic Univ., Leuven, Belgium) explores the philosophical idea of modernity--the conditions of living imposed by the socioeconomic process of mechanization--and its intersection with examples of modern architecture. Her central question is whether modernity is a "temporary aberration," as Christopher Alexander suggests, or an accurate reflection of the essential human condition. The methodology of the book moves in three directions: examining how architecture relates to modernity, drawing a conclusion to that examination by citing major representatives of the modern movement, and referring to theories in opposition to the modern movement. The chapters are built around key figures in philosophy (Martin Heidegger, Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin) as well as figures in architectural theory (Christian Norberg-Schulz, Sigfried Giedion). The point is best illustrated by an excellent analysis of Adolf Loos's Moller House and his technique of the Raumplan. The illustrations are few but judiciously chosen. Recommended for philosophy collections and advanced students in architectural theory.--Paul Glassman, New York Sch. of Interior Design Lib. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

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