Key Buildings of the 20th Century Volume 1: Houses 1900-1944

It is notoriously difficult to convey what early modern architecture really is. The best way to understand the buildings is through their plans, which were seen by their designers as descriptions of a way of life, and reveal more that those designers realised; for the plan is the most accurate measure we have of changes in architectural thought since the Beaux Arts. Forty-eight classic modern houses are therefore here described by discussing their plans. All are drawn to the same scale for easy comparison; they come from places as disparate as Brazil and Russia, Czechoslovakia and England, and show works by most of the acknowledged modern masters, and some others. They indicate changes in society - the disappearance of the live-in servant; changes in relationships - the retreat to the bedroom as private sitting space; but above all, changes in thought. These were seminal buildings from a period of great vitality in the development of twentieth century architecture, and students, librarians and enthusiasts for its history will find this book a key document.David Dunster was educated at University College, London. He has taught architecture at Kingston Polytechnic, in 1983 was visiting Professor at Rice University, Houston Texas, and is currently Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the Bartlett School, University College, London. He also practises as an architect. Sometime editor of UIA International Architect, he has contributed to the 'Architects Journal, Architectural Design' and other periodicals in Europe and the USA.