F22

Chapter 1: The International Style: Theme and Variations (1925-65)

The Effect of Mass in Architecture

  • Shift from Density to Volume:

    • Traditional brick structures are increasingly replaced by lightweight technology.

    • Shift to open box designs exemplified by Le Corbusier's villas in the late 1920s.

Architectural Symbols

  • New Architectural Symbols:

    • Emergence of plane surfaces that bound volumes instead of dense masses.

    • The skeleton construction method dominates, creating an effect of surface and volume.

Case Study: Lovell Health House

  • Design and Structure:

    • Designed by architect Richard Neutra in 1927.

    • Features a skeleton steel frame clad in lightweight synthetic skin.

    • Emphasis on integration with the surrounding parkscape.

Homogeneity of International Style

  • Deceptive Uniformity:

    • The style appeared homogeneous but varied based on climatic and cultural needs.

    • Rooted in the preference for lightweight and synthetic materials.

Key Characteristics of the International Style

  • Modular Parts and Free Plan:

    • Favored standardized components to ease production and assembly.

    • Used skeletal frames over traditional masonry.

Page 2: Influence of Dr. Lovell and Neutra's Work

Dr. Lovell’s Role as a Progressive Architect

  • Emphasized physical culture and progressive education principles.

  • Influenced Neutra's architectural expression, focusing on the well-being of occupants.

Neutra’s Philosophy

  • Bio-realism Concept:

    • Suggested architectural forms enhance human health and nervous system functioning.

    • Acknowledged controversial links between design and health benefits.

Page 3: International Style Representation in Europe

International Contributions

  • France:

    • Beaudouin and Lods’ open-air school.

    • Le Corbusier’s rubble-walled house (1935).

Belgium and Holland Contributions

  • Netherlands:

    • Work of Brinkman and Van der Vlugt and other notable architects.

  • Significant Industrial Works:

    • Owen Williams’ Boots Pharmaceutical Plant exemplifying innovative use of materials.

Page 4: Divergence in the International Style

Expression of Highpoint 1 and 2 by Lubetkin

  • Highpoint 1 vs. Highpoint 2:

    • Distinct forms reflecting ideological shifts in modern architecture.

  • Highpoint 1 is more expressive, while Highpoint 2 yields to formality.

Page 5: Shift from the International Style to Domestic Architectures

Development of MARS

  • Methodology Influence:

    • The need for accessible modern architecture became essential post-war.

  • Challenge Against Functionalism:

    • Efforts to incorporate more humanistic elements into the practical architecture.

Page 6: The Role of Le Corbusier in Brazil

Influence in Brazil

  • Le Corbusier's Contributions (1936):

    • Advisory role in designing a new Ministry of Education building.

    • Adaptation of his principles into Brazilian architecture, notably seen in Oscar Niemeyer’s work.

Page 7: Brasilia: A Critical Analysis

Concepts of Modern Architecture

  • Niemeyer’s Architectural Philosophy:

    • Shift from functionalism to pure form and structures representing governance.

  • Urban Planning Dilemmas:

    • Brasilia’s division into administrative centers and shanty towns highlights socio-economic disparities.

Page 8: Architectural Representation in Japan

Key Developments in Japan

  • Antonin Raymond's Influence (1923):

    • Reinforced concrete design in a Western style; struggle against traditional Japanese forms.

Page 9-10: Architectural Evolution in Japan

Emergent Modernisms

  • Neutra’s Influence:

    • Yona Friedman and the conversation around urbanism in publications attempting to merge function with architecture.

Chapter 2: New Brutalism and the Architecture of the Welfare State

Post-War Cultural Climate in Britain

  • Government Influence:

    • New legislative frameworks initiated significant constructions of schools and new towns.

  • Emergence of Contemporary Architecture:

    • Shift towards less formal, more humanized designs amidst changing social needs.

Page 14: The New Brutalism in Architectural Language

Reaction Against Modernism

  • Smithsons’ Brutalist Ethos:

    • Emphasized using raw materials and exposed structures in their designs.

Page 15: Engagement with Cultural Identity

Prioritizing Social Needs

  • Focus on creating architectures that reflect the needs and identities of the populace rather than purely aesthetic forms.

Pages 16-31: CIAM and Team X - Ideological Shifts and Critiques

CIAM Evolution

  • Initial CIAM Objectives:

    • Focus on efficiency and production methods influences architecture.

  • Transition Toward Team X:

    • Emergence of critiques led to shifts away from CIAM’s functional categorizations towards relational philosophies.