States of Emergency: Architecture, Urbanism, and the First World War

The edited collection States of Emergency: Architecture,Urbanism,and the First World War explores the impact of the First World War on architecture and urbanism from a human, social, economic, and cultural perspective, focusing on the various states of emergency experienced by combatants and civilians across five continents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Leuven University Press

More than a century after the end of the First World War, the edited collection "States of Emergency: Architecture, Urbanism, and the First World War" reevaluates the profound impact of that global cataclysm on architecture and urbanism from a human, social, economic, and cultural standpoint. The chapters delve into the spatial manifestations of underdevelopment and economic collapse, explore the repurposing of military technologies by civilians, and shed light on the cultural formations of education, care, and memory that emerged from the conflict. The collection specifically focuses on the diverse states of emergency experienced by combatants and civilians across five continents, encompassing refugee camps, military installations, villages, and capital cities. By examining the role of architecture in mitigating and exacerbating the everyday tragedy of war, the collection aims to uncover the intricate connections between architecture, society, and the enduring legacies of the First World War.

Contributors to this insightful collection include renowned scholars and experts from various institutions, including The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, University of Technology Sydney, Boston University, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Universidad San Sebastian, Concepcion, Chile, Indiana University Bloomington, Bryn Mawr College, Universita degli studi di Pavia, and Graz University of Technology. Their diverse perspectives and expertise contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted effects of the war on architecture and urbanism.

The book is organized into five chapters, each exploring different aspects of the war's impact on architecture and urbanism. Chapter 1, titled "The Spatial Traces of Emergency," examines the spatial manifestations of underdevelopment and economic collapse during the war. It explores how the physical landscape was altered by factors such as war destruction, population displacement, and economic disintegration. The chapter also highlights the role of architecture in responding to these emergencies, including the construction of temporary shelters, rehabilitation projects, and the repurposing of existing buildings.

Chapter 2, titled "Military Technologies and Civilian Life," explores how military technologies were repurposed by civilians during the war. It examines how civilians adapted military equipment and structures for their everyday needs, such as the use of tanks for agricultural purposes or the conversion of military installations into housing complexes. The chapter also explores the ethical and social implications of this repurposing, particularly in relation to the displacement of civilians and the potential for violence.

Chapter 3, titled "Cultures of Education, Care, and Memory," examines the cultural formations that emerged from the conflict. It explores how the war shaped educational practices, healthcare systems, and memorialization efforts. The chapter highlights the role of architects and designers in creating spaces that facilitated these cultural processes, such as schools, hospitals, and war memorials. It also examines the ways in which these cultural formations continue to resonate in the post-war period.

Chapter 4, titled "States of Emergency across Five Continents," examines the diverse states of emergency experienced by combatants and civilians across five continents. It explores how the war affected different regions and populations, from the devastation of Europe to the struggles in the Middle East and Asia. The chapter highlights the role of architecture in responding to these emergencies, including the construction of refugee camps, rehabilitation projects, and the adaptation of existing buildings for military use.

Chapter 5, titled "Legacies and Lessons," reflects on the enduring legacies of the First World War on architecture and urbanism. It examines how the war shaped the development of modern architecture and urban planning, particularly in terms of the emergence of functionalism and the prioritization of efficiency and mass production. The chapter also explores the ways in which the war continues to influence contemporary debates about urbanization, sustainability, and the role of architecture in addressing social and humanitarian challenges.

In conclusion, "States of Emergency: Architecture, Urbanism, and the First World War" is a groundbreaking collection that offers a fresh and comprehensive perspective on the impact of the First World War on architecture and urbanism. Through its exploration of the spatial, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of the war, the collection sheds light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which the conflict shaped the built environment and the lives of individuals and communities. The contributions of the contributors provide valuable insights into the enduring legacies of the war and the potential for architecture and urbanism to play a role in addressing contemporary social and humanitarian challenges.

Weight: 814g
Dimension: 169 x 297 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789462703087