Modernism

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Whether considered as a style or as an attitude of mind, the ideas of the modernists have affected the contemporary arts, design and architectural environment in a fundamental way. Our houses, our offices, our transport systems have all been transformed under its influence. This text presents the history of the way Modernism came to dominate, despite the fact that it was, in its heyday of the 1920s and 1930s, largely the preserve of the intellectuals. Richard Weston presents the roots of these ideas and the work of the pioneers of the Modern Movement, such as Mies, Corbusier and Gropius. He explores national and regional variations of the style, and considers responses to modernist ideals in the post-war period. Although the book focuses on the growth of these ideals, it also demonstrates their great influence after World War II, relating the ideals of Modernism to the real world of modernization.

Reviews

"Winner in the Related Arts Category, American Institute of Architects International Architecture Book Awards, 1998 'Richard Weston's articulate and well-illustrated book captures the important contributions of this period and shows the extraordinary range of modernist ideas.' (AIA Jury) 'A fluent, stimulating overview of the movement... Weston's is a lucid and highly readable history.' (Daily Telegraph) 'Its strength and virtue lie in the bringing together of a broad range of culture: visual, literary and musical, in pursuit of the essence of Modernism.' (Perspectives) 'For some years now Phaidon has been producing splendid works each devoted to a single style or movement...As usual for the series the book is generously provided with illustrations, many in colour, and the text is clear....it is striking how geographically even-handed the author is in the way he divides his attention....though by no means the first to write a history of modernism, he is certainly capable of telling this by now well-known tale in a manner that is both entertaining and accessible.' (Archis) 'The book is handsome, and useful as a work of reference.' (The Observer) 'This is a large... and important book. It is a comprehensive survey of Modernism from its beginning to its contemporary manifestations....Much more than architecture is presented with wonderful photos never seen before by this reviewer...This book is a must for all who are serious about design and architecture.' (Book Reviews)"

Author Bio

Richard Weston is an architect, landscape designer, writer and lecturer. An expert on modern architecture and design in Scandinavia, he is currently Professorial Research Fellow at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University. He is the author of a monograph on Alvar Aalto and Town Hall, Saynatsalo in the Architecture in Detail series (both Phaidon). Author's Residence: Leicester, UK