Analysis of Kenneth Frampton's Modern Architecture - Book Report/Review Example

Review essay of Kenneth Framptons Modern architecture The field of architecture generally deals with planning, designing and the construction of the structure. The entire process requires creative manipulation of materials that needs coordination and a lot of technological in puts. In the early modernization of architectural structure began with different styles of building having similar characteristics. The characteristics and origins that lie behind modern ingenious ideas in architecture are still open to debate and interpretation. With the changes noted during the early civilization, changes in technology and the emerging knowledge, architecture began to separate from engineering and it started concentrating more in the aesthetics of the building rather than the structures. Review and analysis of chapters 1-3 Kenneth Frampton has constantly been defending the modernist agendas of the twentieth century over the fifty years he has been spending in his career as a critic in the field of architecture. The author states that the baroque system was contrasted with building facades and rationalized gardens that largely depicted the changes that were sweeping through the then society. The reign of nature and the reign of man merged into each other with the primary objective of improving nature while at the same time improving man’s welfare. Ornamentation and prestige were the orders of the day. The author reiterates the sheer fact that for nostalgic contemplation, the distance between nature and man had to be established and this whole came with the emergence of the baroque system that the author identifies as the one that replaced neoclassicism. Neoclassicism emerged from the increase in man’s capacity to exercise control over nature, an effect that advanced to the period after the industrial revolution, and the fundamental shift in nature of human consciousness that provoked human beings to devise new ways of surviving in a world that was seemingly becoming complicated and contentious. The mid-19th century saw the division of the neoclassical heritage into the romantic classicism of Schinkel and the structural classicism of Labrouste. These two different but closely related schools were confronted by the challenge of creating new building types that would suit the changing social needs and preferences, in a world where technology was continuously being embraced. Schinkel was more stylistic in terms of using styles to develop republic state while Labrouste strongly emphasized the primacy of structures and the derivation of decorations from construction. The author believes that stylistic transformations in the architecture industry were merely logical consequences of technical development. Apparently, the author stalwartly conveys the rapid and consequential changes that were experienced in building designs in an apt language that disparagingly captures the reader’s attention but fails to elucidate on how the different schools that emerged after neoclassicism handled the challenge. He gave a unique explanation that amounted to lucidity, stating that the art of architecture is limited over certain heights. In chapter 2, Territorial Transformations, the author states that the social-economic and interaction which emerged in the 18th century transformed Europe into an inventive center. Individuals like Jethro Tull, who invented drill cultivation by perfecting Charles Town-shend’s method of planting crops made a significant contribution in Europe by increasing food production thus triggering the rapid population. The increase in farm output led to the rise of industries. In 1784, Edmund Cartwright came up with steam-powered loom that was favorable technology to be used in increasing the production of textile industry. The production of surplus by the industry and increase in labor demands thus cause the raise in strain in accessing the means of transport. In 1804 Richard Trevithick demonstrated the first locomotive on cast-iron rails; and following the year 1825 first public rail started operating between Stockton and Darlington thus boosting the transport sector necessary need by industry and public. The increase in food production resulted to increase in population as the mortality rate dropped due to improved standards of nutrition and medical-techniques. Manchester’s population increased to 600,000 thus resulting to need for residential. The rapid population growth led to slum growth as there was lack of reliable transport. Most laborers established non-permanent houses that led to slum growth which had derisory standards of light and aeration thus leading to poor housing system due to inadequate architectural skills. The issue of low standard architecture skills is of great concern and resonance in the world that Kenneth Frampton lives and works. It is seen as a theme that he tries to mention in his broad sweep of the history of architecture. It is considered to be a specific issue that is intertwined inwardly with the global emergence of modern European and American cities, which for decades have been an emerging theme in his writing. In such context, Frampton tries to expound on Ando’s arguments in a perspective that looks historical. In 1864, local authorities and English benevolent societies strived to improve the quality of working-class housing through formulation and implementation of various Acts that ultimately forced local authorities deinstitutionalize the image of workers’ houses by adopting Arts and Crafts domestic style. Moreover, due to the development of passenger lift and steel frame, by 1891, architects were comfortably working on high rise buildings. Consequently, garden suburbs plummeted while high rise downtowns increased. The concentration of people in town made the authorities to start restricting urban access since roads were becoming derisory and congestion generally intensified. Railway transport was adopted in many parts leading to the creation of linear styles where buildings were close to railroads. This can also be associated with the increase in awareness and need for people to engage in business that was seemingly booming along the railroads. In chapter 3, Technichal transformations, the author pinpoints the emergence of iron as an imperative phase that transformed the building and construction industry. Architects used it to construct bridges, waterways and railways that were fundamental in positively transforming human life. However, the author identifies that the anticipated utopia (ideal/perfect society or place) was never witnessed and instead, the risk of fire outbreaks in urban areas upsurged. Kenneth Frampton elucidates a system where classical forms were arranged together to accommodate unprecedented building programmes including barracks, libraries and market-halls. Durand and Rondolet, prominent architects, concocted the codified technique and design method where new social demands were incorporated into the neoclassic design previously advanced by Schinkel. Moreover, the technique of iron suspension was adopted as the architects strived to meet the society’s social and economic expectations. Suspension bridges, wrought iron masonry and cable drawn bridges were produced. Noteworthy, the structural I- beam is identified as a major development in the industry as it enabled architects to suspend rails using bridges. The superb British structural engineering had interminable effects on innovations, as innovators strived to meet keep pace with the technological advancements and emerging trends. However, the changes in art were not as rapid as those in technology, a factor that presented a challenge architects. There were creative endeavors to produce wide-span elements through assembling or buttressing iron components. Seemingly, the transformations negatively affected the society; pre-fabs (fabricated buildings) developed due emergence of bent iron and cast-iron columns with prefabricated glazing. The pre-fabs were dark, hence steel and glass that could allow additional light was used. Frampton tries to reveal his characteristics on how he understands the term architecture as a socio-cultural phenomenon; he views it in the form of amalgam that consists of multiple and influences that are occasionally conflicting. The Crystal Palace, constructed in London, was perceived as a major development in architecture. From its conception, transshipment, fabrication, erection and dismantling, it signaled a totally new and complete design which was later to be embraced. Out of traffic in sea, which was particularly powered by technology, hydraulic cement developed and was used together with iron to construct more concrete structures. The author is ardent to note that extreme concrete fortification occurred between 1870 -1900. Pre-stressed concrete, pre-cast concrete and twisted reinforcement. While we are left to believe that these rapid changes and improvement were due to the renaissance that was impending, the author does not come out ostensible on the causative factors. Work cited Frampton, Kenneth. Modern Architecture: A Critical History. London: Thames & Hudson, 2007. Print. Read More