An Introduction to Modern Architecture

This introduction to Modern Architecture was first published in 1940, and revised in 1953. In the sense that contemporary architecture now in 2019 is modern architecture, its defining characteristics have not changed since this book was initially written. What these fundamental of modern

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architecture are, and how they differ from the fundamentals of previous architectural periods, is explained in this book. We learn how the philosophy of architecture has changed, in that it now aims, at least in the good examples of modern architecture, to suit form to function and location. In previous periods the ability to do this was constrained in part by the building techniques then available, and in part by decorative convention. The modern techniques of building with steel, concrete, and glass, has opened up many new possibilities of shape and scale that were previously achievable with stone, wood, bricks and mortar.
The illustrations show examples predominantly from Britain, Europe, and America. These show modern architecture in schools, office blocks, factories, homes, and housing estates, along with more unusual examples such as the penguin pool at London zoo.
Having read this book I now have a better appreciation of what modern architecture seeks to achieve. Ruskin in his Stones of Venice criticises the Neoclassical period for its strict adherence to formula over adaptation to function, favouring the Gothic for its showcasing of the natural qualities of materials and the handicraft work of individual, creative, and artistic workmen. In some sense Modern Architecture when done properly shares some of these qualities that Ruskin admires in the Gothic, albeit now the precision and finish of the machine elevates the qualities of the material instead of the hand of the craftsman. Both Gothic and Modern only achieve their aims when the properties of the materials used are taken into account in achieving the shape and mechanical duties performed by the architectural construction, and the aesthetic impression left by the overall edifice. This is in sharp contrast to the Neoclassical and Renaissance, where the outer impression is often achieved by a superficial layer of decoration applied to cover up the structure of bricks below. This is decoration divorced from architecture. Modern architecture as described in this book seeks to achieve its effect with design and function together showcasing simultaneously the structural and aesthetic properties of the material used for construction. That being said, many of the examples despite being fitted to their purpose and displaying engineering prowess, will not appear beautiful to the eyes of many of the readers.

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