Overview

A comprehensive look at the life and work of one of the 20th century’s most influential architects Aldo van Eyck (1918–1999) was a Dutch architect, writer, and teacher who helped redefine Modern architecture in the second half of the 20th century. As an advocate for architecture’s engagement with history, culture, climate, and the lived human experience of buildings and urban spaces, he created designs that privileged place and the daily rituals in the lives of its inhabitants over universal ideals. In this volume, enlivened by 300 illustrations from the Aldo van Eyck archive, Robert McCarter provides the first comprehensive study of van Eyck’s 50-year career since his death, guiding readers through the architect’s buildings and unrealized projects, with a focus on the interior spatial experience and on the design and construction processes. Highlighted projects include the Amsterdam Orphanage, the Roman Catholic Church in The Hague, and some of the hundreds of playgrounds he famously designed over the course of his career. McCarter also investigates how van Eyck’s writings and lectures convey the importance of architecture in the everyday lives of people around the world and throughout history. By presenting his design work together with the principles on which it was founded, McCarter illuminates van Eyck’s ethical interpretation of architecture’s place in the world. 

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9780300153965

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Reviews

A well-written, highly accessible overview on the work of a major figure. McCarter clearly knows his craft. -Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen, Yale University -- Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen

A well-written, highly accessible overview on the work of a major figure. McCarter clearly knows his craft. -Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen, Yale University -- Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen An Architectural Record 2015 Gift Guide selection -- Jayne Merkel Architectural Record

The book delves into the figure of the architect and his concerns, presenting a chronology of his life and work, and portraying a personality and legacy that puts us face to face with a debate that is not just architectural, but also ideological. - Ernesto Ibanez, Arquitectura Viva May 2017 -- Ernesto Ibanez * Arquitectura Viva * An Architectural Record 2015 Gift Guide selection -- Jayne Merkel * Architectural Record * A well-written, highly accessible overview on the work of a major figure. McCarter clearly knows his craft. -Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen, Yale University -- Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen

Author Information

Robert McCarter is the Ruth and Norman Moore Professor of Architecture, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Washington University in St. Louis. 

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