Description
Book SynopsisThis book focuses on Kay Fisker (1893-1965)’s housing estates in Copenhagen. A leading exponent of Danish Functionalism, Fisker was influenced by Louis Sullivan, and had a strong belief in continuity, putting modernism in perspective and identifying precedents. He built many large-scale housing schemes, mostly for non-profit workers' housing associations, and developed innovative and beautifully considered high-density, low-rise block schemes, which have proven useful and influential to the growing number of contemporary architects who have examined his designs.
Beautifully illustrated with photographs and architectural drawings, this book documents and critically analyses three of Kay Fisker's seminal housing projects in Copenhagen: Hornbaekhus (1923); Vestersohus (1935-39); and Dronningegarden (1943-58). These projects reflect how Fisker's work contains valuable lessons for contemporary architects in economy, precision and generosity in housing design. Essays by Martin Søberg, Poul Sverrild and Job Floris set Fisker’s work within their historical, social and architectural context. In the final section, architects from three leading contemporary practices – Clancy Moore, Monadnock and Tony Fretton - discuss how Kay Fisker has influenced their own approaches and work.
Trade Review'This very thorough set of surveys encapsulated the many scales of address of the projects, from the urban figure to those building elements that would be used and touched by residents every day.' –
Drawing Matter‘should be compulsory reading on every architecture course’ – Matthew Wickens, *Building Design *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Kay Fisker and the Conditions of Life by Andrew Clancy & Colm Moore. 1: Kay Fisker’s Principles for Modern Housing by Martin Soberg Essay. 2: An Outline of Danish Social Housing History by Poul Sverrild. 3: Dronningegården and Kay Fisker’s Continuum by Job Floris. Building Studies: Hornbækhus - The Block; Vestersøhus - The Terrace; Dronningegården - The Square. Response 1: Between familiarity and Abstraction by Tony Fretton. Response 2: Two Tone by Job Floris. Response 3: Conversation and the Contingent by Andrew Clancy and Colm Moore. Coda: The Moral of Functionalism by Kay Fisker
