Architectonics of Modernism [2nd ed.]

Abstract

My latest reading found The Humanism of Architecture, written by British writer Geffrey Scott. It was published in 1914 for the first time, following his trip and working in Italy. The edition I read was published in 1999, after a tremendous change of urbanization in the world accompanied by modernism ideology in Architecture. Based on the studies of documents and observations of Italian Architecture of Renaissance, he criticize a few Architectural fallacies prevailing in the late 19th century. He found the great buildings were not outcomes of religious, science, material, construction, social movements, or big clients, such as Pops, no matter how influential of these factors. The determinate factor of the great buildings is humanism esthetic. What esthetic is, remains for debating of different interests. Nevertheless, esthetic paves the ground shared with art – Architecture is never alone or has to be pragmatic. The buildings of Italian Renaissance, including large amount of conventional buildings, urban structure and open spaces, are largely preserved as human heritage together with the paintings and sculptures of the time. The original purposes and functions of the buildings have changed many times. The clients, occupants, residents faded in the history. However, these buildings and urban spaces continue serve the needs of current society. Lingering around the streets, palaces and churches building built in this period, the tourists from all over the world are attracted by the beauty of Architecture, without much understanding of the technology, materials and construction belong to that society which is long forgotten. Apparently, the esthetic can last longer than any function or construction technology, the dogma of Modernism in Architecture. I have been engaging in research and design of technical flexibility, Open Building, passive low energy buildings and sustainable development. I tend to believe the truly sustainable buildings are the beautiful buildings bonding within art. The esthetic component of the Modern Movement in Architecture is hidden in the shadow of pragmatism, technocratic, social ideology and Functionalism. The publication of Architectonics of Modernism 13 years ago, was a critic to the ill minded Architecture critics prevailing at the time. However I was still hesitated to ask if the book was really useful, whenever a young established architect told me he read the book when he was a student. China has changed a lot in last 13 years. However the transition from quantity orientated design in Architecture to quality orientate design may have just started. Therefore this second edition of the book may still have its significance. Confined by the personal capability and the day, there might be some hidden bias in this book to be corrected by the audience. However, this edition is largely the same as the first edition, except a new layout, correction obvious typo, and the adjustment of a few illustrations in student exercises. I hope the massage of the book can still be detected in a distance of time.