Critical Regionalism: Architecture and Identity in a Globalized World

by Liane Lefaivre, Alexander Tzonis

The latest book in the Architecture in Focus series, this beautifully illustrated and designed book reconsiders critical regionalism and brilliantly demonstrates the global viability of one of the most visible trends in contemporary architecture. As globalization increasingly enters every facet of our lives, its homogenizing effects on architecture, urban spaces, and the landscape have compelled architects to embrace the principles of critical regionalism, an alternative theory that respects local culture, geography and climate. In this important reexamination of critical regionalism, two prominent architectural critics argue for a truce between the seemingly antithetical philosophies of critical regionalism and globalization. The authors trace the genesis of critical regionalism to its ancient historical and political roots, and focus on its modern expression in the works of Aalvar Aalto, Richard Neutra, Oscar Niemeyer and others. They point to the increasing use of the theory in the recent works of a truly global selection of visionary architects—including Santiago Calatrava in Spain, Renzo Piano in the South Pacific, and Berger & Parkkinen in Germany. Discussions of Tropical Architecture and contemporary work in Asia round out this important contribution to a topical debate about architecture’s role in the world.

Genres: Architecture, Art

Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Mon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander Tzonis, the co-writer of this book, also wrote a bunch of essays on Lewis Mumford and critical regionalism in a variety of architecture magazine. What differs this book form the rest is its 80% case studies section, including everything from post-war American vernacular to postmodern vernacular. A problem with labeling certain architecture as 'classical vernacular' or 'regionalist' is that nobody really know what their definitions are, and it's so much more helpful when you can refer to actual precedents. Well, the fact that it's called 'critical regionalism' means that the movement itself is a critique of its own principles, but seriously, this is probably the least confusing book I've read on the topic (yeah, hear that Frampton).