100 Years of Architecture

by Alan Powers

This unique visual history documents in pictures the most exciting and dynamic period of from the early 20th century to the present day, covering all the key movements, styles and architects, together with many lesser known but important names and buildings.

Through archival and full-color photography, plans and architectural drawings, the book illustrates the changing nature of architecture and its expansion during this period from the early developments of concrete and the steel frame, through national styles of architecture and the eruption of Modernism to the influence of science and engineering in the post-war period, the provocative arguments of Postmodernism in the 1980s, right up to today's superstars and global brands.

Written by an expert on 20th-century architecture, 100 Years of Architecture has the authority to serve both architecture students and professionals, but packed with over 300 images, it will also appeal to the general reader.

Genres: Architecture

304 pages, Hardcover

Published August 23, 2016

About the author

Alan Powers is a teacher, researcher and writer specialising in architecture and design.

Powers trained as an art historian at University of Cambridge, gaining an undergraduate degree and a PhD.

As a writer Powers has been prolific, writing reviews, magazine articles, obituaries of artists and architects as well as books. He has concentrated on 20th century British architecture and architectural conservation. He has also written books on the design of book jackets, shop fronts, book collectors, and the artist Eric Ravilious as well as monographs on Serge Chermayeff, and the British firms of Tayler and Green and of Aldington, Graig and Collinge.

Reviews

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was extremely impressed by the journey through architectural thought that this book demonstrates both in written explanation and in its stunning photos. Perhaps a broader background in art or architecture could have helped me appreciate this thought and detail more, but my own lack does not diminish the knowledge and information in this book.

Would be an excellent coffee table book, but also could grace the shelves of an art or architectural enthusiast. Impressive display of global examples, proving the big-picture trends ultimately being tracked. Also, the selection of buildings showed a range from the commonplace to the iconic, showing how theory touched every level of society’s buildings. Fascinating how philosophies and ideas change, influence one another, and spread. Here, the reader can literally see this play out.

[Alhamdamar Mudafiq · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful album.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tour de force of architecture as practiced in the past century ... magnificent illustrations, mainly through color photography ... moving from iconic skyscrapers to modest family dwellings, an overview of the creative minds designing buildings today and in the recent past ...

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview. I like the organization of the book and how it considers interiors, exteriors and even city planning. Of course I'd like more pictures, but there's just enough information for independent research if you're particularly interested in certain structures.