Supermodernism

Fascinaties #6

by Hans Ibelings

Globalization in architecture is usually seen as a negative force leading to homogenization and uniformity. In recent years, however, under the influence of globalization, an intriguing new architecture has started to emerge, an architecture in which superficiality and neutrality have acquired a special significance. 144 pages of text and photos printed on photo paper, arguing, and showing, a new aesthetic that has emerged in response to, and because of globalization. Our copy shows edge-wear/shelf-wear to the cover . There is no other writing, marks, or abnormal damage on any part of the book.

Genres: Architecture, Theory

Paperback

First published June 1, 1998

About the author

Hans Ibelings is a Dutch architecture critic, writer and exhibition maker. He is chief editor and founder of A10, Magazine for New European Architecture. Alongside he became a specialist in writing architects monographs. In 2004 he wrote a book on contemporary traditional architecture in the Netherlands.

Reviews

[Ruben Steins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although not poorly written I am not convinced Ibelings succeeds in getting his point across. Identifying an era while still being in it is a futile exercise. Leave it to the future historians I would say. There are a few interesting observations by the author but to proclaim the end of deconstructivism seems premature.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a non building architect I found this helpful in situating modernism / post modernism and what Ibelins dubbed the supermodernism of the 1990s. Reading this in 2023 I found the snapshot of the 90s ethos interesting if not somewhat misguided. Which is easy to critique from the future as it relates to this thinking.

[Mon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly one dimensional but otherwise an interesting expansion of Auge's Non-Places.

[Tyler Nguyen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A shallowly argued, difficult to agree with book. Only a good set of photos and references save this from utter uselessness.