The Tragic in Architecture

Is modern architecture no longer equipped to deal with the ′great themes′ in architecture? By focusing on the tragic genre, this title asks some of the most far–reaching questions about the meaning of contemporary architecture. Has a modern delight in functionalism and repression of figuration put paid to the expression of human themes and narrative content? When put to the test, what has been the approach of contemporary architects who have been called upon to tackle the most abject horrors of our age such as the Holocaust? By holding the classical form of the tragic up for scrutiny, the texts in this title explore the ways that architects have also been seeking to deal with the incomplete, the fragmented and partial, the historicisation of nature and the appearance of the popular culture. There are substantial essays on the theme by Robert Maxwell, John Outram, David Hamilton Eddy and Richard Patterson. Buildings are also analysed, which express some of the great human themes or tragedies in our time. These include, among others, Foster′s Berlin Reichstag, Libeskind′s Jewish Museum and Chipperfield′s designs for the San Michele Cemetery in Venice. Architects David Chipperfield Peter Eisenman Foster and Partners James Ingo Freed Daniel Libeskind John Outram

Editorial. Introduction (R. Patterson). Approaching the Void: Can the Tragic Appear in Architecture? (R. Maxwell). The Disorder of Order and After (J. Outram). The Virtuous Tower (D. Hamilton). Signs of Tragedy Past and Future: Reading the Berlin Reichstag (T. Martin). The Metamorphosis of Tragedy (R. Patterson). Death in Venice (H. Castle). Introduction to the Holocaust Section (R. Patterson). Mapping Tragedy in the US Holocaust Memorial Museum (J. Branham). Eisenman′s Design for the Berlin Holocaust Memorial – a Modern Statement? (A. Schmeing). The Void that is Subject (R. Patterson). Reconstructing Recollection: Making Space for Memory (Y. Padan). Sacraria, Tragedy and the Interior Narrative (E. Winters). Sitting in the White Horse, Thinking about a White Elephant (P. Davies). A Quiet Revolution: Women in French Practice (R. Such). Being There (H. Beck). Two Projects in Brasìlia (T. Deckker). Practice Profile: General Lighting and Power (I. Borden). Book Review (R. Maxwell). Site Lines: Wandich Summer Residence (S. Stanwick).