Church Builders: Of the Twentieth Century

Rating:
Summary: A superb book; the finest in modern church architecture
Review: Academy Editions has done a fabulous job in creating a fine documentation of architectural innovations pertaining to modern places of worship. Whether you're an architect or not, you'll find this fascinating.

Throughout the first third of the book, Edwin Heathcote exhibits a broadly based and well-researched background in covering the advancement in concepts which influenced church design and construction through the 1900's. Citing numerous architectural trend setters, Mr. Heathcote describes in an eruditious manner the relationship between theology, liturgical reform, and modernism, and how they contributed to the "expression of piety" seen in today's church building throughout the world.

The remainder of the book is entitled "Movements of the Spirit," in which Iona Spens compiles a series of "portfolios" from noted architects/firms, and supplements her text with excellent photos, plans and elevations. The color photography, both of interiors and exteriors, is downright breathtaking in many cases, and does great justice to the defining, creative aspects of each church.

This is the second "Builders" book I've bought (the other being "Airport Builders"), and I like this one the best simply because the photography is more easily able to capture the essence of the architectural creation. As with the other, this edition is of the highest quality: bound well, and printed on the best paper. Highest recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: A superb book; the finest in modern church architecture
Review: Academy Editions has done a fabulous job in creating a fine documentation of architectural innovations pertaining to modern places of worship. Whether you're an architect or not, you'll find this fascinating.

Throughout the first third of the book, Edwin Heathcote exhibits a broadly based and well-researched background in covering the advancement in concepts which influenced church design and construction through the 1900's. Citing numerous architectural trend setters, Mr. Heathcote describes in an eruditious manner the relationship between theology, liturgical reform, and modernism, and how they contributed to the "expression of piety" seen in today's church building throughout the world.

The remainder of the book is entitled "Movements of the Spirit," in which Iona Spens compiles a series of "portfolios" from noted architects/firms, and supplements her text with excellent photos, plans and elevations. The color photography, both of interiors and exteriors, is downright breathtaking in many cases, and does great justice to the defining, creative aspects of each church.

This is the second "Builders" book I've bought (the other being "Airport Builders"), and I like this one the best simply because the photography is more easily able to capture the essence of the architectural creation. As with the other, this edition is of the highest quality: bound well, and printed on the best paper. Highest recommendation.