Summaries:

What is Modern Architecture:

This article begins by saying that this question of “what is modern architecture” has been asked many times, and over a wide span of time. It also mentions that Bruno Taut says modern architecture is a harmony between the form of a building and utilizing new technologies. And that a modern architect should make buildings that encourage better behavior in the people that use them. Soon a common style started to form, which consisted of a common use of volume and space, light, reflective, smooth, steel, concrete, and glass. Soon this style spread across the world, and modern buildings were built in places without care for the surrounding environment. Modern architecture and the modernity of a society are linked. Often times modern buildings were placed in locations that were not going through modernity, in hopes to force change. Modern architecture is increasingly hard to define. It’s hard to determine if it has more to do with form, or with societal background. The article then talks about Neurath a little. Neurath attempted to come up with a universal graphic language to better represent plans, which greatly influenced the aesthetics of visual communications. One thing I found very interesting was Neurath mentioning that the professional protocols of architects should be secondary to the public’s understanding.

Non-West Modernist Past:

The first half of this article is mainly talking about how the study of architectural history has greatly underappreciated architecture in general, and specifically modern architecture in areas outside of the west. Anything not in the west has historically not been included in “modern architecture” unless a western architect built something outside the west. The west is seen as the birthplace of modern architecture and even sometimes the source of creativity and innovation, which is an interesting stance to say the least. The article goes on to say that modernism is a result of the social/political/economic conditions of a society. It then defines modernity as the social/political/economic conditions of industrial capitalism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. But even this definition is western due to colonialism. And if modernism is socio-political conditions, and the use of new technologies, then modern architecture can look like anything. Also a lot of the time, modern and traditional styles are combined. The article concludes by saying that there shouldn’t be a hierarchy in architecture, and history wasn’t Europe first, the rest second, especially when it comes to creativity.

Crafting Architecture Criticism:

There are many critics of architecture, professional writers, professors, architects, and the general public. Non-professional criticisms are mainly expressed in conversation, or online. There is an increasing amount of journalism that can sometimes get wordy, and use jargon. This article states that it will focus mainly on written criticisms. The article argues that criticism is a necessary part of architecture to advance the profession. Criticism must bring to light the distinctive characteristics of a building. Criticism requires research. The criticism should be clear and not repeat what others have said. It is impossible to capture everything about the experience of a building or place with just words. Much of this happens online, which can be harmful, leading to snap judgements. Criticism requires bringing attention to specific parts of a building, and minimizing other aspects, it is important to carefully pick which parts to give significance. Criticism should bring to light the basic premise of a building, which is often philosophical. Criticism inherently brings about comparison to other buildings, in the area, and of a similar style. The article argues that criticism involves three main steps, recording, reconstructing, and repositioning. The article closes by saying that criticism can open up new architectural possibilities.

Application and Interpretation:

This 3d printed home is part of a new planned community in mexico. Even though it may not look like what has been deemed “modern architecture”, it is solving a modern problem with modern technology. In this community there is a need for low cost housing to be built fast, and this architectural project is filling that need. This is an example of the ever expanding definition of “modern architecture” that may not aesthetically fit into the euro-centric definition of the past.

Take-away:

– Modern architecture is hard to define, and comes in many forms

– Criticism of architecture is an important part of the profession, and happens at many levels from the general public to professionals

– Modern architecture should include non-west societies, and give them the credit they deserve