A Selection of World-Class Architecture from the 20th Century (10 Volumes in Total)

Author: K. Frampton
Publisher: China Architecture & Building Press
Publication Date: Not available
Features: An irreplaceable authoritative masterpiece; a ten-volume timeless collection; a world-class book jointly launched by China and Australia at great expense; a contemporary architectural epic and a milestone in architectural history; winner of the 5th National Book Award; winner of the First Prize of the 10th National Excellent Science and Technology Books Award
1. The Path to "New Natural Beauty" – Introduction to the North American Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
Some of the classic works included in this volume may not be unfamiliar to Chinese architects, but through the comprehensive analysis and introduction by American scholars from historical, cultural, environmental, and conditional perspectives, readers gain new insights. By comparing Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater with Philip Johnson's Glass House, SOM's Lever House with Mies van der Rohe's Seagram Building, and the works of Le Corbusier with those of I.M. Pei, readers gain new understandings and reflections in revisiting these classics.
When selecting projects for this volume, the editors chose works with broad representativeness and highly acclaimed in North America, showcasing a tendency to integrate ideals and scenery. New creative approaches, while imitating nature, combining with nature, and struggling against the old "grid" city, pursue change and the experience of "varying scenery at every step," forming the North American path to "new natural beauty." This is the highlight of this volume.
2. Critical Regionalism in Latin America – Introduction to the Latin American Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
This volume covers architecture from countries across Central and South America, edited by Grasberg, the Director of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Argentina. The selected works from 1940 to the end of the century reflect the rich and diverse developments and evolutions of 20th-century Latin American architecture under the theory of "critical regionalism." It includes the works of numerous Latin American architects, such as Niemeyer and Le Barandà, who blend new technologies, forms, and traditional spirit to create a new Latin American architecture with regional characteristics. These are vividly presented in this volume.
3. Exploring Industrial Era and Contemporary Pluralistic Architecture – Introduction to the North, Central, and East European Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
The selection in this volume reflects the shift in architectural expression from national ideals to the exploration of mystical national characteristics. After World War II, architects began to focus on the initial exploration of the inherent order in architecture, leading to simplified classicism. In the latter half of the 20th century, some architects supported simplified classicism, only to later embrace postmodernism's revival of classical forms, while functionalists advocated for a minimalist approach. These are the characteristics reflected in the 100 architectural projects from 17 countries in northern, central, and eastern Europe presented in this volume. It is a highly beneficial work, and all readers interested in Western architecture will gain insights from it.
4. Mediterranean Architecture under the Sun – Introduction to the Mediterranean Basin Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
This volume introduces 100 vibrant architectural works from countries along the Mediterranean coast. Reading it provides a sense of idealistic architectural thought from start to finish, helping readers deeply understand the typical originality, profound tradition, harmonious environment, and distinct regional characteristics of Mediterranean architecture.
5. Exploring Modern Architectural Identifiability – Introduction to the China and Near East Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
This volume covers architecture from 15 countries in the Middle East. The selected examples show unprecedented developments in type, quantity, quality, and scale in the 20th-century architecture of Middle Eastern countries, especially after the 1960s. In terms of creative direction, efforts are made to highlight features that demonstrate national independence, strength, modernization, and identifiability. The information in this volume is not only inspiring but also reveals profound thoughts within architectural creation, making it worth reading and reflection.
6. The "Mysterious" Charm of African Architecture – Introduction to the China and Southern Africa Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
From this volume, readers can see abundant evidence of the outstanding achievements of modern architecture in Africa's interaction with the rest of the world. It is precisely this new architectural form that allows us to view the architecture of Central and Southern Africa as hopeful architecture. From the 100 architectural works of more than 30 countries in this volume, readers can experience the "mysterious" charm of African architecture that the editor seeks to convey—a prominent "sense of dynamism," which readers can themselves understand and solve within the book.
7. Unique Russian Architectural Culture – Introduction to the Russia-Soviet-Commonwealth of Independent States Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
This volume gives a basic overview of the continuous development of 20th-century architecture in Russia, covering important characteristics of different historical periods. The richness and comprehensiveness of the content, along with the concise and accurate arguments, fully highlight the features of this book.
8. The Diversified Characteristics of South Asian Architectural Culture – Introduction to the South Asia Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
Architecture in the South Asian region demonstrates diversified characteristics. One end represents the aspirations of businesses, while the other represents the revival of the past. Regionalists, architects, and craftsmen stand in the middle. This is not only a professional situation but also the emergence of a current construction environment—forming the inherent diversification of the South Asian landscape. Perhaps this diversification can give rise to a liquid-like characteristic rather than a simple "pure" or "local" assertion. Reading this volume will provide readers with such feelings.
9. Architecture for One-quarter of the World's Population – Introduction to the East Asia Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
In the 20th century, countries in East Asia faced collisions between local and foreign cultures. This collision ranged from confrontation and opposition to acceptance and coexistence in pluralism, with different countries and regions having different experiences and timelines. A recent phenomenon in East Asian countries is the immersion in local consciousness. The exploration of architectural paths suitable for their own local or regional realities, including China, is a characteristic of East Asian architecture.
10. Maritime Culture from Seasonal Winds – Introduction to the Southeast Asia and Oceania Volume of The Collection of World Architecture Masterpieces in the 20th Century
The 10th volume covers 10 Southeast Asian countries and all Oceania countries. The former reflects strong local characteristics and modern tropical architectural features, while the latter presents open, diverse, lightweight, and nature-respecting regional characteristics. Pluralism is increasingly becoming an accepted norm. Readers will be captivated by the powerful works in this volume.