Reconstruction: Architecture, Society and the Aftermath of the First World War

The Colvin Prize 2023 (Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain) was awarded to Reconstruction: The Impact of the First World War on the Built Environment, which explores the impact of the First World War on the architecture of Britain and the British Empire during the interwar years. Sixteen essays by leading and emerging scholars bring together new and diverse approaches to the period, considering the complex effects of reconstruction on design, discourse, practice, and professionalism. The collection also makes important postcolonial interventions into the architectural history of British Imperialism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Colvin Prize 2023, awarded by the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain, delves into the profound impact of the First World War on the built environment. Reconstruction explores the immediate and long-term consequences of the Great War on British and Empire architecture during the interwar years, a period that has received relatively less attention compared to the post-war reconstruction after 1945. This comprehensive volume sheds light on the significance of the architectural developments during this period, not only in shaping the course of events after 1945 but also in their own right.

Comprising sixteen essays authored by renowned and emerging scholars, the collection offers a diverse range of approaches to the reconstruction era. This period, characterized by challenges of modernity and democratization, is examined from various perspectives. The collection explores the intricate effects of reconstruction on design, discourse, practice, and professionalism, encompassing a wide spectrum of architectural styles and approaches. It prioritizes neither Modernism nor traditional styles like neo-Georgian, instead embracing a comprehensive examination of architectural traditions.

Reconstruction also highlights the social and political histories of the built environment, shedding light on the complex interplay between architecture, society, and power. It makes significant interventions into the architectural history of British Imperialism, both domestically and in its far-reaching territories. Through essays on Cairo, South Africa, Australia, and India, the collection contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the architectural legacies of British Imperialism and their impact on these regions.

In conclusion, the Colvin Prize 2023's Reconstruction: The Impact of the First World War on the Built Environment is a groundbreaking volume that sheds new light on a previously overlooked period of architectural history. Through its comprehensive analysis and diverse perspectives, the collection provides valuable insights into the complex effects of reconstruction on design, discourse, practice, and professionalism. It also highlights the social and political dimensions of the built environment, making important contributions to the study of architectural history and imperialism. This book is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history and evolution of architecture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350152946