The Four Elements of Architecture and Other Writings

by Gottfried Semper, Harry Francis Mallgrave (Introduction), Wolfgang Herrmann (Translator)

Gottfied Semper was the most important German theorist of the nineteenth century. From his first published essay on Greek polychromy in 1834 to his final lecture on the origin of architectural styles in 1869, Semper persistently endeavoured to fashion a comprehensive architectural theory explaining the meaning and transformational nature of architectural form. The breadth and richness of his ideas, both applauded and opposed at the turn of the twentieth century, proved enormously influential in the development of modern theory. Originally published in 1989, this book provides an English translation of a number of Semper's published writings. The introduction seeks to trace the course of Semper's theoretical development over thirty-five years. Semper's ideas, like those of his contemporaries, John Ruskin and Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, had enormous influence on the genesis of modern architectural theory and will appeal to both architectural historians and architects.

Genres: Architecture

338 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2011

Reviews

[JustMyWayOfThinking]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading the ideas and theories Gottfried Semper developed during his lifetime and how these ideas and interchangeable throughout architectural styles and notions today.

[Niche]

Contain the english translation of Gottfried Semper's writing pieces. "The four elements of architecture" chapter explain how the development of human society effected technical skills of architectural building.

[Paula]

Me he leído solo lo que me interesaba y partes en diagonal. Útil, los cuatro elementos están de moda. Volveré si necesito más info.