Architectural Theory, Volume 2

This second volume of the landmark Architectural Theory anthology surveys the development of architectural theory from the Franco-Prussian war of 1871 until the end of the twentieth century.

The entire two volume anthology follows the full range of architectural literature from classical times to present transformations.

• An ambitious anthology bringing together over 300 classic and contemporary essays that survey the key developments and trends in architecture
• Spans the period from 1871 to 2005, from John Ruskin and the arts and crafts movement in Great Britain through to the development of Lingang New City, and the creation of a metropolis in the East China sea
• Organized thematically, featuring general and section introductions and headnotes to each essay written by a renowned expert on architectural theory
• Places the work of "starchitects" like Koolhaas, Eisenman, and Lyn alongside the work of prominent architectural critics, offering a balanced perspective on current debates
• Includes many hard-to-find texts and works never previously translated into English
• Alongside Volume I: An Anthology from Vitruvius to 1870, creates a stunning overview of architectural theory from early antiquity to the twenty-first century

Preface xxviii

General Introduction xxix

Part I: Early Modernism 1

A. The Arts and Crafts Movement in Great Britain 3

Introduction 3

B. Continental Reforms 24

Introduction 24

C. Reforms in the United States 43

Introduction 43

D. Conceptual Underpinnings of German Modernism: Space, Form, and Realism 63

Introduction 63

Part II: The Formation of the Modern Movement: 1894–1914 85

A. The Wagner School and the German Werkbund 87

Introduction 87

B. Modernism Elsewhere in Europe 110

Introduction 110

C. The Chicago School and the American West 125

Introduction 125

Part III: The 1920s 143

A. American Modernism: 1918–32 145

Introduction 145

B. Soviet Constructivism 168

Introduction 168

C. De Stijl and Purism 180

Introduction 180

D. German Expressionism and the Bauhaus 195

Introduction 195

E. European Modernism: 1925–32 211

Introduction 211

Part IV: The Politics of Modernism: 1930–45 233

A. Totalitarianism in Europe 235

Introduction 235

B. American Academic and Architectural Reforms 255

Introduction 255

Part V: High Modernism in the Postwar Years 273

A. Postwar Theory in the United States 275

Introduction 275

B. Postwar Theory in Europe 293

Introduction 293

C. The Rise and Fall of CIAM 313

Introduction 313

Part VI: Critiques of Modernism: 1959–69 333

A. The Death of the American City 335

Introduction 335

B. Retreats and Utopianism 350

Introduction 350

C. Critiques of Modernism 368

Introduction 368

Part VII: The Prospect of a Postmodern Theory: 1969–79 393

A. Rationalism and the IAUS 395

Introduction 395

B. Semiotics and Phenomenology 420

Introduction 420

C. Alternative Strategies and Debates 435

Introduction 435

Part VIII: The 1980s 457

A. Poststructuralism and Deconstruction 459

Introduction 459

B. Postmodernism and Historicism 481

Introduction 481

C. Regionalism and Traditionalism 505

Introduction 505

Part IX: Millennial Tensions 533

A. Tectonics and Geometry 535

Introduction 535

B. The End of Theory? 562

Introduction 562

C. Beyond the New Millennium 582

Introduction 582

Acknowledgments 604

“An invaluable resource and a great read. The different voices of many generations of modernists come alive in their struggles to shape themselves and their times. Rich, inclusive, and surprising.” Professor Detlef Mertins, Chair of the Architecture Program, University of Pennsylvania.

"This book is a collection of extraordinary readings for those with an interest in Architectural Theory. It is a critically conceived resource of great value, an indispensable source to professors and students of architecture and professionals interested in architectural theory." Marco Frascari, Director, Azrieli School of Architecture, Carleton University

Harry Francis Mallgrave is Associate Professor of History and Theory at the Illinois Institute of Technology. His 1996 book Gottfried Semper: Architect of the Nineteenth Century was awarded the Alice Davis Hitchcock Award by the Society of Architectural Historians. He is also the author of Modern Architectural Theory 1673–1968 (2005) and the editor of Architectural Theory: Volume I: An Anthology From Vitruvius to 1870 (Blackwell, 2006).

Christina Contandriopoulos was trained as an architect at Université de Montréal (Canada) and practiced architecture in Montreal and Paris. She is currently completing her Ph.D Thesis at McGill University.

This second volume of the landmark Architectural Theory anthology surveys the development of architectural theory from the Franco-Prussian war of 1871 until the end of the twentieth century. Together with volume I, it is the first anthology to follow the full range of architectural literature from its beginnings in classical times to its impact today.

Drawing on diverse international texts, this book explores various reform movements in Europe and North America, including Arts & Crafts; spans the technological and conceptual innovations of the late-nineteenth century in connection with the rise and development of modern theory; and reviews early critiques of modernism, the "post-modern" discussions of the 1970s, and post-structural and regionalist thought in the 1980s. The editors also consider the counter-movements of the 1990s – inspired by the digital revolution, technological innovations, and growing concerns for sustainable design.

This anthology maps a wide array of debates in architectural history, placing the writings of starchitects like Koolhaas, Eisenman, and Lynn alongside the work of prominent architectural critics. It also sheds new historical perspective on topics such as ecology and sustainability, as well as CAD and blobs. The result is an inspiring and comprehensive resource for those studying or working in architectural theory and art history.