Description
Book SynopsisThis book is a unique comparative study of two of the very greatest figures in modern architecture - Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto. In assessing the historical, personal and intellectual influences of their attitudes to nature and the creative direction of their work, this book offers a unique understanding of the diversity at the heart of modernism. Through an analysis of the architects' own writing about their ideas and philosophies, a more thorough comprehension is gained of their thoughts on urban living and by looking at their most widely known work, the authors analyse the architects' intentions to build nature into the heart of their architecture. The authors argue that there are many similarities between the attitudes towards nature held by Le Corbusier and Aalto, and that these similarities had an important place in the generation of their architecture.
Trade Review"The authors' arguments should not be ignored - as they point out, while we are ready to accept the idea of Aalto and Le Corbusier's anti-rationalism, we still demand a raison d'être for their work." - The Architects' Journal
'Understanding architecture is never easy or neat, but this thoughful book makes the process richer.' - Building Design
'Understanding architecture is never easy or neat, but this thoughtful book makes the process richer.' - Building Design
'The authors' arguments should not be ignored - as they point out, while we are ready to accept the idea of Aalto and Le Corbusier's anti-rationalism, we still demand a raison d'être for their work.' - The Architects' Journal
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Human Side 2. Natural Growth 3. The Meetings of Modern Minds 4. Radiant Nature Writings 5. The Mysticism of Nature and Agony of Life: Cap Martin and Muuratsalo 6. Spiritual Space as a Holding Environment 7. World-Building: Nature, Biology and Luxuriant Forms 8. Building Natural Attachment Conclusion: Nature Relations and the Heart of Architecture.
