Architecture Without Architects

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Bernard Rudofsky

University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM, 1987; originally published 1964, English

Nonfiction, Architecture

9.3 x 8.7 inches, paperback, 157 pages

ISBN: 9780826310040

Suggested Retail Price: $24.95

From the Publisher. In this book, Bernard Rudofsky steps outside the narrowly defined discipline that has governed our sense of architectural history and discusses the art of building as a universal phenomenon. He introduces the reader to communal architecture--architecture produced not by specialists but by the spontaneous and continuing activity of a whole people with a common heritage, acting within a community experience. A prehistoric theater district for a hundred thousand spectators on the American continent and underground towns and villages (complete with schools, offices, and factories) inhabited by millions of people are among the unexpected phenomena he brings to light.

The beauty of "primitive" architecture has often been dismissed as accidental, but today we recognize in it an art form that has resulted from human intelligence applied to uniquely human modes of life. Indeed, Rudofsky sees the philosophy and practical knowledge of the untutored builders as untapped sources of inspiration for industrial man trapped in his chaotic cities.

On 6 book lists

Aric Chen

On Aric Chen’s Book List

Though first published in 1964, this book’s argument for architecture as a universal practice, outside the canon, is as relevant as ever.

被建筑史遗忘的建筑

柏那得·鲁道夫斯基

该书1964年首次出版，提出将建筑置于学科之外，看作为一门普世实践。今天看来，着实真切。

Niels Diffrient

On Niels Diffrient’s Book List

Norman Foster

On Norman Foster’s Book List

Mikko Heikkinen

On Mikko Heikkinen’s Book List

Zack McKown

On Zack McKown’s Book List

My favorite architecture book. Rudofsky presents exquisite built environments, mostly from ancient times, that were developed organically by communities (versus individual authors), usually over a period of centuries.

Cino Zucchi

On Cino Zucchi’s Book List

A healthy antidote to self-centered design attitudes!

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