The Four Elements of Architecture and Other Writings

Originally published in 1989, this book provides an English translation of a number of Gottfied Semper's published writings.

Gottfried Semper (Author), Harry Francis Mallgrave (Translated by), Wolfgang Herrmann (Translated by), Harry Francis Mallgrave (Introduction by)

9780521180863, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 February 2011

338 pages
25.4 x 17.8 x 1.8 cm, 0.59 kg

Gottfied Semper was the most important German theorist of the nineteenth century. From his first published essay on Greek polychromy in 1834 to his final lecture on the origin of architectural styles in 1869, Semper persistently endeavoured to fashion a comprehensive architectural theory explaining the meaning and transformational nature of architectural form. The breadth and richness of his ideas, both applauded and opposed at the turn of the twentieth century, proved enormously influential in the development of modern theory. Originally published in 1989, this book provides an English translation of a number of Semper's published writings. The introduction seeks to trace the course of Semper's theoretical development over thirty-five years. Semper's ideas, like those of his contemporaries, John Ruskin and Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, had enormous influence on the genesis of modern architectural theory and will appeal to both architectural historians and architects.

Gottfried Semper: architect and historian Joesph Rykwert
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I. Preliminary Remarks on Polychrome Architecture and Sculpture in Antiquity
Part II. The Four Elements of Architecture
Part III. Science, Industry and Art
Part IV. Prospectus: Comparative Theory of Building
Part V. Prospectus: Style in the Technical and Tectonic Arts or Practical Aesthetics
Part VI. Style in the Technical and Tectonic Arts or Practical Aesthetics
Section 1. Prolegomenon
Section 2. The Textile Art (Excerpt): 1. B. 'On the manner in Which Style is Conditioned by the Treatment of the Material'
2. C. 'On the Manner in Which Style Becomes Specialized and Developed in the Dressing (Bekleidung) in Different Nations Throughout the Course of Cultural History
Part VII. On Architectural Styles
Notes
Name and place index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Architecture [AM]