Global investigation of 20th-century architecture, 750+ masterpieces richly illustrated.

"A balance of sophistication and clarity in the writing, authoritative entries, and strong cross-referencing that links archtects and structures to entries on the history and theory of the profession make this an especially useful source on a century of the world's most notable architecture. The contents feature major architects, firms, and professional issues; buildings, styles, and sites; the architecture of cities and countries; critics and historians; construction, materials, and planning topics; schools, movements, and stylistic and theoretical terms. Entries include well-selected bibliographies and illustrations."--"Reference that rocks," American Libraries, May 2005.

Fully documented, richly illustrated guide to the great architectural achievements of the last one hundred years.

This is the genealogy of architecture in the 20th century by Kenneth Frampton - the doyen of architecture history. His approach is impressively clear: he traces four lines that are recognizable as the powers that propel renewal in architecture. He structures his observations by focusing on the relevant periods in the following order: 1st, the Avant-Garde (1887-1986); 2nd, organic architecture (1910-1998); 3rd modern and national styles (1935-1998), and 4th, industrialization and prefabrication (1927-1990). His overview is not a lexical collection of chronological sequences. Instead, his insights stem from his confident eye for the history, theory and motives behind architecture. He also follows the steps of the great architects of the 20th century.

An examination of architectural trends across the world in the last century - Neoclassicism - Architecture after the First World War - American architecture - Globalization of modern architecture - High-tech and postmodern architecture - The Rationalist tradition in Italy - Architecture in the 21st century.

This breathtaking, illustrated volume is the best of what international architectural experts have to offer--a convincing selection of superlative architecture, from the turn of the century to the present day. Biographies of the architects and further reading suggestions make this volume an ideal sourcebook for new and "in-the-know" enthusiasts alike. 570 illustrations, 250 in color.