Modern Architecture - Alan Colquhoun, ebrary, Inc 2002 Pages 73-86 Adolf Loos 1900-30

Reading 2 (Week 12)
The Urn and the Chamberpot: 
Adolf Loos 1900-30

'Adolf Loos (1970-1933) occupies a unique place in history of modern architecture.' Created contradictions of contemporary theory but an architect whose work, though small in output, was exciting and highly original.

Adolf Loos battled against the notion of applied arts. He condemns all forms of meaningless decoration on articles of use.

Adolf Loos most persistent idea - that the forms of use -objects, including those of non monumental architecture, should owe nothing to artistic intention.  - Seems to contradict his own practice.

Before the First World War the Architecture was decorative where as after the first world it was as if the Architecture had been abandoned. Le corbusier who in turn had been deeply influenced by Adolf Loos matured after the First World War.

I found this reading receptive within the various architects using an International style. The next generation of Architects, who sought by this means to create precisely the resolution between technology and art that Adolf Loos said was impossible. 

Decorum - refers to the suitability of a design.  Architectural decorum instead that a design should agree with its purpose and be appropriately adapted to its audience, namely other buildings and the public at large.

Art creates Architecture.