Although the classicist infused Scandinavian modernism of the 1910s to 1930s was rather short-lived
Although the classicist infused Scandinavian modernism of the 1910s to 1930s was rather short-lived it nonetheless continues to fascinate until this day. One of the most significant exponents of what is today called Nordic Classicism was Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund (1885-1940). His Stockholm Public Library, the extension of the Gothenburg Courthouse or the Chapel and Crematorium at Woodland Cemetery are time-transcending designs, interwoven with their surroundings and history. A wonderful way to explore Asplund’s work is the monograph „E.G. Asplund 1885-1940“, largely written by Yoichi Kawashima and published in 2005 by Toto Publishing: it documents eleven of Asplund’s projects (including those mentioned above) and through the brief but concise introduction to the architect’s life and work plus the grippy project descriptions really makes for a handy companion. In addition the extensive photographic essays by Yukio Yoshimura which accompany each project stunningly capture the beauty of Asplund‘s work while also documenting his attention to the architectural detail. The latter was a result of, as the book also reveals, Asplund‘s almost scientific approach to the planning of each building that entailed extensive research into site and space as well as working out of details. Together with Peter Blundell Jones’s text-heavier monograph the present one forms a duo of essential English-language publications on the Swedish master that complement each other on either information or visuals. -- source link
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