Le langage hypermoderne de l'architecture (French Edition)

An ambitious and inspired undertaking on the part of young art historian Nicolas B. Jacquet, this book contains a lot of original thought. Along with a philosophical approach to the concept of modernity, the writer proposes a putting into perspective of the main currents that have shaped modern architecture, the aim being to outline what might be termed hypermodern architecture. Taking a radical stand against the condemnation of Modernism by the Post-moderns and the Deconstructivists, the first part of the book attempts to portray the Modern movement as an uninterrupted flow forward. Jacquet sees its impetus as carrying over into contemporary architecture in its many forms, the future of which - in spite of what critics so often say does not lack coherence and perspective. Following this overview of architectural theory and history, the second part looks at hypermodern built objects, with the author exploring their constructive qualities. Reviewing a superb array of hypermodern buildings, he defines seven design principles. Part three examines the design tools of this latter-day mannerism and its dialectics, opening to the question of what might follow hypermodernity. With its wealth of architectural references and rich iconography, this book reviews the inventiveness and creativity of the architects of today.