ARTICLE REVIEW

I find these diagrams fascinating. While they have helped me understand and extract valuable information about my own design and political compass in the global scene, they don’t fully apply to my constellation, as I come from a different land and era. However, they have definitely helped me pave a path and develop other diagrams for myself. MP

source : https://www.architectural-review.com/archive/jencks-theory-of-evolution-an-overview-of-20th-century-architecture

Through a set of mind maps-diagrams, Charles Jencks provides an insightful and creative overview of the architectural landscape in the 20th century, examining the rise and fall of movements, key figures, and architectural innovations. The article highlights the complexity of the century’s architectural narrative, which defies a single, linear story. Instead, it is portrayed as a turbulent and competitive drama driven by social movements, technological advances, and individual creative forces.

Key Insights:

1. The ‘10-Year Rule’ of Reinvention: Jencks emphasizes the cyclical nature of creativity among major architects of the 20th century, such as Mies, Le Corbusier, and Gehry, who reinvented themselves every decade to stay relevant. This reflects the constant evolution of the profession in response to shifting societal and technological forces.
2. Le Corbusier’s Influence: Jencks explores Le Corbusier’s enduring impact, noting his ability to adapt across multiple architectural traditions throughout his career. His work spanned several periods, from the Heroic Period of the 1920s to the symbolic architecture of Ronchamp and the High-Tech movement, cementing his reputation as a dynamic force in architecture.
3. Architecture as a Reflection of Turbulent Times: The 20th century’s architectural creativity was heavily influenced by the tumultuous global events, including wars and technological revolutions. The constant shifts in style and fashion, driven by both individual visionaries and mass movements, contributed to a fragmented but vibrant architectural landscape.
4. The Role of Non-Architects in Shaping Architecture: Jencks highlights that much of the architecture produced in the 20th century was not the result of individual architects but stemmed from broader societal forces such as building regulations, mass housing, and economic imperatives. These larger processes often went unrecognized in architectural discourse.
5. Ecology and Architecture: The environmental movement became a shared concern across architectural traditions, with different schools of thought—including Classical, Post-Modern, and High-Tech—adopting ecological principles in their designs. This marks a significant shift towards sustainability, transcending traditional divides.
6. Gaudi as a Creative Standard: Jencks presents Antoni Gaudí as one of the most creative architects of the century, surpassing even Le Corbusier in his ability to merge art, craftsmanship, and architecture. Gaudi’s use of structural innovation, combined with deep symbolic meaning, set his work apart, making him a standard of creative architectural genius.
7. The Influence of Corporate and Government Forces: Jencks discusses how corporate Modernism, shaped by economic forces and patronage, became dominant after World War II. This style, though powerful in terms of output, lacked the creativity and depth seen in earlier movements.

Jencks’ article paints a picture of the 20th century as a constantly shifting and highly dynamic period in architecture, marked by rapid change, creative reinvention, and competing ideological and technological forces. The legacy of this era is not just in iconic buildings but also in the larger forces that have shaped the built environment.

Published in Charles Jencks’ article “In what style shall we build”. Architectural Review, 237(1417), March 2015, 90-101. [Charles Jencks usually mentioned that these maps were free of copyright so they could be an open source for further developments]

Published in Charles Jencks’ article “Jencks’s Theory of Evolution: an overview of twentieth-century architecture”. Architectural Review, 208(1241), July 2000, 76-79.

other references> https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338555839_Six_Traditions