TheFunctionofStyle

What is the function of style in contemporary architecture? In the past, the 1970s were characterized by Postmodernism and the 1980s by Deconstruction. However, how do we define architecture from the 1990s to the present day? There is an immense diversity of built forms that transmit different affects, such as curvilinearity, crystallinity, multiplicity, unity, cellularity, openness, dematerialization, and weight. Yet, this diversity does not reflect a lack of common purpose but rather an intricate web of connections where individual buildings appropriate ideas from other buildings designed for different activities of everyday life, varied to produce singular yet related buildings. In her book, The Function of Style, acclaimed architect and theorist Farshid Moussavi argues that architects should embrace everyday life as a raw material to change the conventions of how buildings are assembled, to ground style and the aesthetic experience of buildings in the micro-politics of the everyday. This updated approach to style can be used as an invaluable and productive tool by architects today. The book also includes a detailed illustration of this network of connections on its cover and inside. Assistant editors for the book are Marco Ciancarella, Jonathan A. Scelsa, Mary Crettier, and Kate Kilalea.

作者简介

FarshidMoussaviisaninternationallyacclaimedarchitectandProfessorinPracticeofArchitectureatHarvardUniversityGraduateSchoolofDesign.Shewaspreviouslyco-founderoftheLondon-basedForeignOfficeArchitects(FOA).MoussavihascompletedherfirstU.S.commission,theMuseumofContemporaryArtinCleveland(2012),itsinstallationatthe13thArchitectureBie...