Modern Architecture
[Modernism] was revolution then, but it is art now. Without the full story, it has been reduced to style. It is time to stop using modernism as a convenient punching bag, or turning it into trendy kitsch; this was one of the most powerful movements in history.
—Ada Louise Huxtable, On Architecture
If you are interested in learning more about Modern Architecture, here are books and films to explore.
My Architect
A Son’s Journey
If you are new to learning about Modernism, begin with this documentary by a famous Modern architect’s son who searches for his father through his buildings. Not only deeply moving but this is an investigation into the inspiration underlying modernism.
Purchase it on Amazon.
Columbus
The August 2017 film, Columbus, is gaining top reviews in NYTimes, “Modernism’s Promise and an Auspicious Feature Debut,” LA Times “quietly captivating,” and AV club movie review “an ode to architecture.”
Watch the trailer on YouTube.
The Architecture of Happiness
Du Botton’s Architecture of Happiness is an engaging exploration of philosophy about life and architecture (with a section about Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye).
Purchase it on Amazon.
A Modern space becomes a primary character in these two novels:
The Girl Before
In The Girl Before, a best selling architectural thriller, a modern apartment takes on a life of it’s own. Soon to be released as a film directed by Ron Howard.
Purchase it on Amazon.
The Glass Room
The Glass Room – a novel about a modern home through history of owners.
Purchase it on Amazon.
Eero Saarinen
Purchase it on Amazon.
Women and the Making of the Modern House
Purchase it on Amazon.
Books on 20th century modern:
Makers of Modern Architecture, Volume II
From Le Corbusier to Rem Koolhaas
My memoir speaks about buildings by Le Corbusier
Purchase it on Amazon.
The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia
The Man, the Artist, the Visionary
Harry Bertoia was a friend of my dad, and in our house we had several of his sculptures.
Purchase it on Amazon.
Mid-Century Modern Complete
Mid-century Modern: colorful and ‘cool’ design.
Purchase it on Amazon.