25 YEARS AGO

摘要

Modern British Architecture since 1945 is singularly and unjustly thin on the pre-1960 period, revealing two processes of thought on the part of the editors which only serve to distort judgement. These are, firstly, a failure to avoid the 30-60 year culture 'trough'; and secondly, a willingness to adopt the 'heroic progress' theory of modern architecture.rnThis so-called 'cultural trough' is caused by the failure of each succeeding generation to accept value in the work of its immediate predecessors. What were the characteristics of the missing 1950s? First and foremost, building licensing -which laid down a maximum square footage, restricted materials, and compelled architects to keep costs below one pound four shillings and sixpence per square foot if the thing was to get permission at all.