Synopsis
Can architecture help us find our place and way in today's complex world? Can it return individuals to a whole, to a world, to a community? Developing Giedion's claim that contemporary architecture's main task is to interpret a way of life valid for our time, philosopher Karsten Harries answers that architecture should serve a common ethos. But if architecture is to meet that task, it first has to free itself from the dominant formalist approach, and get beyond the notion that its purpose is to produce endless variations of the decorated shed.
In a series of cogent and balanced arguments, Harries questions the premises on which architects and theorists have long relied—premises which have contributed to architecture's current identity crisis and marginalization. He first criticizes the aesthetic approach, focusing on the problems of decoration and ornament. He then turns to the language of architecture. If the main task of architecture is indeed interpretation, in just what sense can it be said to speak, and what should it be speaking about? Expanding upon suggestions made by Martin Heidegger, Harries also considers the relationship of building to the idea and meaning of dwelling.
Architecture, Harries observes, has a responsibility to community; but its ethical function is inevitably also political. He concludes by examining these seemingly paradoxical functions.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Karsten Harries is Professor of Philosophy at Yale University.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Ethical Function of Architecture
Stock Image
The Ethical Function of Architecture
Seller: Evergreen Goodwill, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Acceptable. Normal light wear. Seller Inventory # mon0000225015
Stock Image
The Ethical Function of Architecture
Seller: Pink Casa Antiques, Frankfort, KY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Good. tight, creased spine, highlighting, shelf and edge wear, corners bumped, packaged in cardboard box for shipment, tracking on U.S. orders. Seller Inventory # 102289
Stock Image
The Ethical Function of Architecture
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Fair. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,1250grams, ISBN:9780262581714. Seller Inventory # 3965590
Buy Used
US$ 45.20
Shipping:
US$ 17.89
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Ethical Function of Architecture (The MIT Press)
Seller: Garden Village Books, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. Seller Inventory # ABE-1713350344940
Buy Used
US$ 57.74
Shipping:
US$ 21.49
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Ethical Function of Architecture (The MIT Press)
Seller: East Village Books, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. 5 star AbeBooks seller means you will get the book quickly in the condition described. Minimal wear. Tracking information on every item. Ship same or following day from East Village Books in Manhattan. Over twenty-five years on Saint Marks Place, in the literary heart of downtown. Look us up! Seller Inventory # 002081
Stock Image
The Ethical Function of Architecture
Seller: Toscana Books, AUSTIN, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: new. Excellent Condition.Excels in customer satisfaction, prompt replies, and quality checks. Seller Inventory # Scanned026258171X