Towards a New Architecture
by Le Corbusier
|
|
Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of Towards a New Architecture.
discuss this book
friend reviews (0)
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
lists with this book
Where's the love? Add this book to your favorite list.
other reviews (showing 1-20 of 213)
Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
anybody interested in 20th century society
I really loved this book. Lecorbusier, one of the founding fathers of the modernist movement, puts forward his arguments for society's embracing the 'mass production spirit'.
It's common knowledge that it hasn't really worked out as he expected it to but so much of what he has written has contributed to architecture. This book is full of innovative designs which unfortunately inspired poor implementations (high-rise poor areas all over the place). however, that says more against society's tr...more
It's common knowledge that it hasn't really worked out as he expected it to but so much of what he has written has contributed to architecture. This book is full of innovative designs which unfortunately inspired poor implementations (high-rise poor areas all over the place). however, that says more against society's tr...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2007
I was kinda surprised when I started reading this book. I always thought that LeCorb was some kind of communist. Design for Brasilia for example was based on the idea that the architecture of the city could create a truly equal society. In this text LeCorb talks about the modern age of capitalist consummerism and the new kind of life that this revolution in industry has created. LeCorb suggests that we should not merely rehash 'styles' of other era when they do not relate to the way we live now....more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in March, 2008
recommended to Tim by:
Tate
a bit esoteric and socialist for my taste, but i spose i can still appreciate what Corbu is about. in a very broad sense, this manifesto is his urge to keep the pace of architecture at the pace of the rest of society's advancements. he points out the simple efficiency of things like grain silos, and how we strive to make our airplanes and automobiles as functional and streamlined as possible, but our houses haven't changed. where we differ begins with this statement:
"The house is a m...more
"The house is a m...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
It gets 3 stars but not for the validity of its content. Corbusier helped shape urban planning in a most disasterous way - abandoned in the West by the mid-70s (except France) and in the East only with the fall of Communism. An important read to understand a post-WW2 approach to the massive relocation and emplacement of people in an urban setting. In counterbalance, read Huxtable and Mumford - even Ebeneezer Howard.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Classic book for any architecture enthusiast and essential or any architect. A discourse of Corbusian theories of modern architecture with modern society (1920s) yet it still applies in today's society. It is a discussion of the implications of industrialization, mass production, and the changing economy. Very simple and straightforward read.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Has a copy to sell/swap
—
Read in October, 2007
Almost kitsch now,but as someone totally unfamiliar with architecture it was interesting to read where (some) modern architecture was coming from. Also good for pure entertainment value, as the book is mainly filled with maxims and pictures of nice things like cars or grain silos.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in October, 2005
recommends it for:
if you are interested in architectural philosophy
I read this book because I wanted to read how Le Courbusier was a socialist architect. This is written in a conversational and charming tone, and does satisfy my hopes that architecture has an important role in benefiting society above creating a fancy shelter with skylights.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2005
Le Corbusier, you're a crazy nutter and you read too much Nietzsche. Your vision was an utter failure and there are too many architecture professors walking around in your glasses but I can't help but love this book.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
architects, students. designers, planners
all architects/planners should at least read this, c'mon its corbu. ideas are a little dated, but gives you a good foundation into modern architectural/planning theory.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
The only thing I ever really liked about Corbu is that, in his old age, he painted every morning in the nude. Every single day for the rest of his life.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Although I don't agree with his attitude, this is a good read. He places way to much emphasis on the machine...they are his muse....what a shame.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in July, 2008
recommended to Jason ("jcreed") by:
lea
Interesting, but a bit ranty, and it's not clear how well its ideas have been corroborated by history since then. Entertaining read, though.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
