An Updated Critical Theory Of Modernism

Michael Mehaffy argues that traditional architects need an improved understanding of Modernism in order to counter its apparent resurgencein recent years.

1 minute read

May 20, 2003, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"There is an emerging movement in architecture today that seeks to revive aspects of traditional architecture, as an antidote to modernism. Indeed, as I shall describe, there are indications in the new sciences that offer support for the great sophistication and adaptive power of traditional processes.But the traditionalists have fallen into a political trap: they have been branded as backward and 'reactionary' in contrast to the modernists, who hold themselves out as the forward-looking alternative. This has been seen in a number of recent high-profile events such as the World Trade Center reconstruction design competition in New York City."

Thanks to Matthew Hardy

FULL STORY: Notes Toward an Updated Critical Theory of Modernism

Monday, May 19, 2003 in INTBAU

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