Modern Language of Architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright called Bruno Zevi "the most penetrating architectural critic of our time," and one could ask for no better proof than Zevi's masterpiece,The Modern Language of Architecture. In it, Zevi sets forth seven principles, or "antirules," to codify the new language of architecture created by Le Corbusier, Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, and Wright. In place of the classical language of the Beaux Art school, with its focus on abstract principles of order, proportion, and symmetry, he presents an alternative system of communication characterized by a free interpretation of contents and function, an emphasis on difference and dissonance, a dynamic of multidimensional vision, and independent interplay of elements, an organic marriage of engineering and design, a concept of living spaces that are designed for use, and an integration of buildings into their surroundings. Anticipating the innovations of postmodern architecture, Zevi argues forcefully for complexity and against unity, for decomposition dialogue between architecture and historiography, finding elements of the modern language of architecture throughout history, and discussing the process of architectural innovation. Sumptuously illustrated, and written in a clear, accessible manner,The Modern Language of Architecturewill long remain one of the classics of architectural criticism and history.Zevi, Bruno is the author of 'Modern Language of Architecture' with ISBN 9780306805974 and ISBN 0306805979.