Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Key Modern Architects provides an accessible and thought-provoking introduction to the work of the most significant architects of the modern era. Fifty short chapters introduce fifty key architects, from Le Corbusier to Aldo Van Eyck to Zaha Hadid, exploring their most influential buildings and developing a critique of each architect's work within a broader cultural and historical context.

The selection represents the most influential architects working from 1890 to the present, those most likely to be taught on survey courses in modern architectural history, along with some lesser-known names with an equal claim to influence. Emphasis is placed on a critical and interpretative approach, allowing the student to position each architect in a cultural and intellectual context quickly and easily. Artistic, technical, social, and intellectual developments are brought to the fore - built and unbuilt projects, writings and influences. This approach brings to light the ideology behind architectural work, offering insights into each architect's working practice.

- Helps students to develop a critical approach to understanding modern architectural history.

- One chapter per architect - meaning chapters may be read individually as a concise resource for the study of an architect, or together as a coherent book-length history of the whole period of modern architecture.

- Chapters are supported by boxed lists of each architect's most significant projects, along with suggestions for further reading as a springboard to further study and research.

Combining the clarity and accessibility of a textbook with in-depth reading and a critical approach, Key Modern Architects provides an invaluable resource for both the classroom and for independent study in architectural and art history.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction (p. 1)
• 1 Louis Sullivan (p. 15)
• 2 Otto Wagner (p. 20)
• 3 Adolf Loos (p. 25)
• 4 Peter Behrens (p. 30)
• 5 Auguste Perret (p. 35)
• 6 Frank Lloyd Wright (p. 39)
• 7 Antonio Sant'Elia/Futurism (p. 48)
• 8 Bruno Taut (p. 52)
• 9 Erich Mendelsohn (p. 57)
• 10 Walter Gropius (p. 62)
• 11 Theo Van Doesburg and De Stijl (p. 70)
• 12 El Lissitzky/Constructivism (p. 75)
• 13 Konstantin Melnikov (p. 80)
• 14 Hannes Meyer (p. 85)
• 15 László Moholy-Nagy (p. 89)
• 16 Grete Schütte-Lihotzky (p. 93)
• 17 Rudolph Schindler (p. 97)
• 18 Le Corbusier (p. 101)
• 19 Mies van der Rohe (p. 113)
• 20 Hans Scharoun (p. 123)
• 21 Eileen Gray (p. 128)
• 22 Gunnar Asplund (p. 132)
• 23 Alvar Aalto (p. 137)
• 24 Oscar Niemeyer (p. 146)
• 25 Buckminster Fuller (p. 151)
• 26 Charles and Ray Eames (p. 155)
• 27 Louis Kahn (p. 160)
• 28 Aldo Van Eyck (p. 166)
• 29 Alison and Peter Smithson (p. 171)
• 30 Kenzo Tange (p. 176)
• 31 Lina Bo Bardi (p. 181)
• 32 Carlo Scarpa (p. 186)
• 33 James Stirling (p. 191)
• 34 Archigram (p. 196)
• 35 Cedric Price (p. 201)
• 36 Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown (p. 206)
• 37 Aldo Rossi (p. 211)
• 38 Geoffrey Bawa (p. 215)
• 39 Balkrishna Doshi (p. 220)
• 40 Richard Meier (p. 225)
• 41 Norman Foster (p. 230)
• 42 Álvaro Siza (p. 235)
• 43 Rem Koolhaas/OMA (p. 240)
• 44 Daniel Libeskind (p. 246)
• 45 Frank Gehry (p. 251)
• 46 Zaha Hadid (p. 256)
• 47 Tadao Ando (p. 261)
• 48 Herzog and De Meuron (p. 266)
• 49 Peter Zumthor (p. 271)
• 50 Kengo Kuma (p. 276)
• References (p. 280)
• Index (p. 291)
• Image Permissions (p. 298)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

From Alvar Aalto to Peter Zumthor and Zaha Hadid, this book presents 50 of the most significant modern architects from the late 19th century to today. These modernists have wanted to experience the world anew, without preconception--to unlearn the old, purify form, and move to the elemental. They have asked, "What does a chair [a building, etc.] need to work effectively?" Does form follow function as proposed by Louis Sullivan? In selecting the 50 architects, Higgott's criterion was that the architect moved the art of architecture in a new direction, even if the architect's body of built work was small. Each essay is devoted to a single architect and includes a list of his or her key works and further readings. Each architect's unique works and wider contribution to modern architecture are discussed, and the expression and development of architectural ideas is traced through the architect's designs. With its succinct, easy-to-read essays, this volume can serve as an excellent introductory survey. As Higgott acknowledges, a follow-up volume to extend the list would be welcome. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Nancy J. Mactague, formerly, Aurora University

Booklist Review

Higgott (Camera Constructs, 2012) considers 50 significant modern architects, from Louis Sullivan in the nineteenth century to the contemporary work of Kengo Kuma. After an opening essay tracing the development of modernism, its decline, and eventual rebirth, there are 50 concise chapters on the architects whose work has had a significant impact on the field. After commentary and analysis as crisp and clear as the black-and-white images included throughout, each chapter offers suggestions for further reading and a list of key works. The individual chapters range in length from four or five pages to 10 or more, and set each subject in cultural as well as intellectual context. An extensive list of references is a helpful resource for future study. Key Modern Architects may be read in chronological order for a detailed survey of modernism or used as a reference guide for a quick introduction to the work of a particular individual. A fine supplemental text for architecture and design students, and a welcome companion for architecture buffs.--Carolyn Mulac Copyright 2018 Booklist

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Andrew Higgott has taught the history and theory of architecture for thirty years, including at the Architectural Association and the University of East London. His published works include Mediating Modernism (2007) and Camera Constructs (2012).