Product Description

The quintessential California Modernist

Born and raised in Vienna, Richard Neutra (1872-1970) came to America early in his career, settling in California. His influence on post-war architecture is undisputed, the sunny climate and rich landscape being particularly suited to his cool, sleek modern style. Neutra had a keen appreciation for the relationship between people and nature; his trademark plate glass walls and ceilings which turn into deep overhangs have the effect of connecting the indoors with the outdoors. Neutra's ability to incorporate technology, aesthetics, science, and nature into his designs him recognition as one of Modernist architecture’s greatest talents.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #69809 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Review
"Place Man in relationship to Nature; that's where he developed and where he feels most at home!" Richard Neutra; Richard Joseph Neutra is considered one of the world's most influential modern architects. His innovative and open design express the freedom from conventions that may find in Southern California."

From the Publisher
Part of TASCHEN's Basic Architecture Series

Basic Architecture features:
• Each title contains approximately 120 images, including photographs, sketches, drawings, and floor plans
• Introductory essays explore the architect’s life and work, touching on family and background as well as collaborations with other architects
• The body presents the most important works in chronological order, with descriptions of client and/or architect wishes, construction problems (why some projects were never executed), and resolutions
• The appendix includes a list of complete works, biography, bibliography and a map indicating the locations of the architect’s most famous buildings

About the Author
Barbara Lamprecht writes and teaches architectural history, concentrating on Modernism, and practices architecture, specializing in sustainability and small spaces. She contributes to Dwell, The Architectural Review, Architecture, Architectural Record and Fine Homebuilding. She is also the author of TASCHEN’s Neutra: Complete Works.

Customer Reviews

extremely well-written
I have written two research papers on Richard Neutra and therefore have read lots and lots of books about the architect and his evocative buildings. This book, while admittedly just a quick look at Neutra's major works, is well-written (even lyric at times), packed with information, and interesting. She discusses his background and influences, theories of biorealism and technology, and characteristic stylistic language. The quality of the photographs is excellent--they are crisp and clear and literally pop out of the page, alive with contrast and color. I bought this book on a whim thinking that it would be just "fun" compared to longer, more involved texts, but it has become my favorite!!

A Great Introduction and a Wonderful Value
The German Publishing Company, Taschen has recently introduced a series of paperback monographs covering the lives and works of the Twentieth Century's greatest architects.

The series follows a standardized format. The books are 96 pages long and begin with an introductory biographical chapter. The book then moves onto brief chapters highlighting the master architect's most iconic buildings. The book is very well written and his covered head to toe with beautiful photographs. The book is of the high quality that one generally associates with Taschen publishing.

Richard Neutra, an Austrian immigrant helped introduce the United States to European "modernism". His early works shows the clear influence of Bauhuas. What made Neutra one of the great architects is that he took modernist ideas and gave them a uniquely American character. We are currently experiencing a mid century modern revival and Richard Neutra was one of creators of that style. This book is a wonderful introduction to the works of this great architect. Taschen hits another home run! A great value. Highly recommended.

No Floorplans! A Disappointing Neutra Book
I agree with all of the other reviewers in that this is a very high quality book in general. Very nice photos and high quality printing. But, there are NO floorplans or blueprints in this book. There are only tiny thumbnail size floorplan drawings of each home that have no details--they don't label the different rooms or show any built-in furniture or closet spaces. The kitchens are not notated nor are any kitchen cabinets shown. The drawings only show walls and windows and don't even show the standard architectural symbols for swinging doors. You are left to guess what rooms are bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms ect!

So if you want to study a Neutra house by examining the floorplan or blueprint, you cannot do so with this book! How can you you have a book about an architect and exclude architectural drawings? This book is nothing but a small format coffee table book for people who are not interested in really studying what made Neutra homes unique and interesting.

If you are interested in getting a book with drawings of Neutra homes, then this is NOT the book for you. The thumbnail drawings are virtually useless.

I would not recommend this book.