The Architecture of Influence: The Myth of Originality in the Twentieth Century

The Architecture of Influence examines how twentieth-century architectural works redefine influence as an active process of redefining, recalling, and repositioning the past to create new forms.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: University of Virginia Press

The Architecture of Influence delves into the profound inquiry of how new forms emerge from the old. By examining a diverse range of architectural masterpieces from the twentieth century, including some of the most renowned exemplars of the architectural canon, modern and postmodern, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between influence and artistic creation. Serving as both a critique of the traditional emphasis on genius and a celebration of the transformative power of revision and reimagining the past, The Architecture of Influence explores the intricate relationship between architecture and its historical context. It argues that all works of architecture are not merely derivative but rather actively engage with, transform, rewrite, and reposition the traditions and ideas to which they refer.

The book is structured into seven chapters, each exploring a distinct aspect of influence in twentieth-century architecture. These chapters include:

Replicas: Examining the practice of creating architectural replicas, which involve reproducing the design of an existing building or structure.

Copies: Analyzing the practice of creating architectural copies, which involve producing exact replicas of an existing building or structure.

Compilations: Investigating the practice of compiling architectural designs, which involves combining elements from different sources to create a new architectural composition.

Generalizations: Exploring the practice of generalizing architectural designs, which involves applying broad principles or concepts to create new architectural forms.

Revivals: Analyzing the practice of reviving architectural styles or designs from the past.

Emulations: Examining the practice of emulating architectural styles or designs from other cultures or historical periods.

Self-Repetitions: Investigating the practice of creating architectural works that are self-referential or self-contained.

Through these chapters, The Architecture of Influence redefines influence as an active process through which the past is defined, recalled, and subsequently redefined within twentieth-century architecture. The book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the creative processes that shape architectural design and demonstrates the profound impact of historical context on artistic expression. Whether through replication, copying, compilation, generalization, revival, emulation, or self-repetition, architects have continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the field of architecture, creating new forms that reflect the ever-evolving cultural and societal landscape.

In conclusion, The Architecture of Influence is a groundbreaking exploration of the fundamental question of how new forms emerge from the old. By examining a wide range of architectural masterpieces from the twentieth century, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between influence and artistic creation. Through its insightful chapters and innovative redefinition of influence, The Architecture of Influence provides a valuable contribution to the field of architectural studies and offers a deeper appreciation of the creative processes that shape our built environment.

Dimension: 229 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813950587