Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism
by Alan Hess
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Book Summary Information
Author: Alan HessPhotographer: Alan Weintraub
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-08-02
ISBN: 1586858572
Number of pages: 276
Publisher: Gibbs Smith
Book Reviews of Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism
Book Review: Organic Architecture is a Super Introductory Survey of the topic: a Review by Michael Hawker
Summary: 4 Stars
As an avid collector of books on Organic architects and architecture, I attest there is relatively little available on the specific subject, aside from all that available on Frank Lloyd Wright. Organic architects continue to remain outside mainstream criticism and publications, notably magazines - maybe for good reason - yet there are dozens, if not hundreds, of exceptionally creative organic architects whose designs could be easily celebrated.
I eagerly anticipated the release of this book and wasn't disappointed. Organic Architecture is perhaps among the most authoritative surveys on the Organic history and its attempt to present many seldom published or possibly forgotten worthy architects. Examples include work by Alden Dow, Paul Schweikher, Karl Kamrath, Charles Haertling, and Alfred Browning Parker. Unfortunately, because of so many architects who could have been included in this volume, this book falls far from encyclopedic.
The book is not a perfect study of the subject, due mainly for space limitations. Despite its sweeping title, the author focuses solely on the history of the American Organic (since there is a European Organic to consider) since 1900 and presents only houses. It is a bit heavy on homes built between 1940 and 1960. I hoped more from the 1970's to present could have been included, as well as some significant Organic architects that did not appear at all, such as Arthur Dyson, Vernon Swaback, or Daniel Liebermann, among others. This lacking is not to take away from this book, but rather point out the extent to which this book could have explored. To Hess' credit, his narrative does offer much to be explored for forthcoming authors with more in depth books.
The photographer is well known and many of Mr. Weintraub's photos are exceptional, particularly since photographing organic works of architecture can be difficult at best. However, some of the photos do seem affected from less-than-perfect conditions or timing, such as a "high sun" that casts too sharp of shadows on some of the subjects' surfaces. The photographer's interior shots are best.
Overall, this is a 275-page "must purchase" book for those interested in Organic architecture because of its broad historical survey. I would encourage anyone to research further some of the architects profiled in this book, such as Alden Dow, Lloyd Wright, or Wallace Cunningham. Be advised that there are no illustrations in the book, such as plans and section drawings. In my estimate, this places this volume far from any serious critical acclaim from scholars and keeps it in the "nice coffee table" category. This book on my coffee table suits me fine.
Summary of Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism
Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism illuminates the broad brush stroke of Organic residential architecture throughout the panorama of twentieth-century Modernism. A wide-ranging style that defies definition, Organic buildings are notable in their curves and colors, as well as their exuberant, opulent, and at times, extravagant complexity of line, form, texture, structure, and color. Organized chronologically, beginning in 1880 and ending with the present, each chapter explores the contributions of Organic architects in depth. With riveting historical context, including the movement's foundation, evolution, and major events, author Alan Hess shows why the Organic movement has remained a strong, deep-running current in culture and design.Some key Organic architects featured in this book include:
Louis Sullivan
Frank Furness
Frank Lloyd Wright
Bruce Goff
Charles Haertling
John Lautner
Walter Burley Griffin
Mickey Muennig
R. M. Schindler
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