Second-Century Modernism

The book showcases new and recent work by John Jennifer Marx and Form4, from private residences to Silicon Valley masterplans. "In keeping with the paradoxical approach, the book – part history, part manifesto – also becomes part poetry volume. Intriguing questions are posed throughout (Have we exhausted the conceit yet “that the public just needs to catch up”?), while balance, banality and care are keystones to which the author frequently returns." - InDesignLive "Second Century Modernism creates an architecture of richness and community by placing a higher priority on emotional meaning…" - Arch Daily

It could be said that Walter Gropius laid the cornerstone of modern architecture in 1919 by founding the Bauhaus. As a result, modern architecture is now over 100 years old. This first century of modernism has come to a close with a mixed review. Enthusiasm for its achievements goes hand in hand with a discontent about a sizeable portion of its outcome, as well as its effect on the natural and built environments. The most vocal supporters of these modernist ideals crafted epic claims that modernism was bound to deliver progressive and humane environments. Alas, the follow through of those promises was uneven at best.

If the first century of modernism can be considered an architecture of abstraction and ideas, then what might we design if we turn our attention, in this second century of modernism, to an architecture of emotional abundance? Second-Century Modernism creates an architecture of richness and community by placing a higher priority on emotional meaning, through a shift in the design process that balances the rational with the intuitive, and a “Less + More” approach to expanding the range of cultural values we can inclusively balance in our environments.

• | Author: John Jennifer Marx
• | Publisher: Oro Editions
• | Publication Date: Jul 04, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781957183343
• | ISBN-10: 1957183349