Book Review: Cruelty & Utopia
Cruelty & Utopia: Cities and Landscapes of Latin America edited by Jean-Francois Lejeune, published by Princeton Architectural Press, 2005. (Amazon)
Thanks to guest reviewer Jim Kehoe of Z-Group Architects in Aspen, Colorado.
This well overdue collection of finely illustrated essays delves into Central and South American architecture and city planning in a comprehensive manner. The vast number of cities and architects included within the book is a thorough testament to the enduring efforts of these societies as they have struggled with changing political climates, identity, the history of colonial rule, and global economic challenges.
From the quiet spaces of Luis Barragan to the colorful landscapes of Roberto Burle Marx, the culture of design and architecture is entwined into a fascinating dialog with the greater social and political context. This dialog comes alive in essays revealing the realities such as the monumental development of Brasilia in the midst of the struggling economic stagnation of the 60’s, the slums of Brazilian cities, and how political influence shaped the empty anti urban plazas in Havana.
For the reader of modern architecture, there are many prizes throughout this collection of essays. The works of Lina Bo Bardi, Carlos Raul Villanueva, Lucio Costa and more are examined and illustrated within this greater context by such distinguished scholars as Carlos Fuentes and Eduardo Subirates. An essay titled "Le Corbusier: Latin American Traces" explores the influences of the European master and his many largely un-built proposals in Latin America. It becomes evident in this essay and throughout the book how influential Le Corbusier and early 20th Century Modernism became, to the degree that it has given the region far more modern masterpieces than any place outside of Europe.
This book is the catalog from an exhibit in 2004 by the same title. It is a diverse and dynamic exploration of architecture and planning in Latin America, and a collection of some of the most energetic work in the past century, woven together in scholarly essays.
Thanks to guest reviewer Jim Kehoe of Z-Group Architects in Aspen, Colorado.
This well overdue collection of finely illustrated essays delves into Central and South American architecture and city planning in a comprehensive manner. The vast number of cities and architects included within the book is a thorough testament to the enduring efforts of these societies as they have struggled with changing political climates, identity, the history of colonial rule, and global economic challenges.
From the quiet spaces of Luis Barragan to the colorful landscapes of Roberto Burle Marx, the culture of design and architecture is entwined into a fascinating dialog with the greater social and political context. This dialog comes alive in essays revealing the realities such as the monumental development of Brasilia in the midst of the struggling economic stagnation of the 60’s, the slums of Brazilian cities, and how political influence shaped the empty anti urban plazas in Havana.
For the reader of modern architecture, there are many prizes throughout this collection of essays. The works of Lina Bo Bardi, Carlos Raul Villanueva, Lucio Costa and more are examined and illustrated within this greater context by such distinguished scholars as Carlos Fuentes and Eduardo Subirates. An essay titled "Le Corbusier: Latin American Traces" explores the influences of the European master and his many largely un-built proposals in Latin America. It becomes evident in this essay and throughout the book how influential Le Corbusier and early 20th Century Modernism became, to the degree that it has given the region far more modern masterpieces than any place outside of Europe.
This book is the catalog from an exhibit in 2004 by the same title. It is a diverse and dynamic exploration of architecture and planning in Latin America, and a collection of some of the most energetic work in the past century, woven together in scholarly essays.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated for spam.