The Ethical Function of Architecture

Karsten Harries

83 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by MIT Press Ltd, 1998

026258171X / 9780262581714

  • Softcover
  • Used
See all details

Seller: World of Books Inc, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.World of Books Inc

2-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

View this seller's items
Softcover

Condition: Used - Good

£ 7.63

 Free Shipping 
Ships within U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Can architecture help us find our place and way in today's complex world? Can it return individuals to a whole, to a world, to a community? Developing Giedion's claim that contemporary architecture's main task is to interpret a way of life valid for our time, philosopher Karsten Harries answers that architecture should serve a common ethos. But if architecture is to meet that task, it first has to free itself from the dominant formalist approach, and get beyond the notion that its purpose is to produce endless variations of the decorated shed.In a series of cogent and balanced arguments, Harries questions the premises on which architects and theorists have long relied--premises which have contributed to architecture's current identity crisis and marginalization. He first criticizes the aesthetic approach, focusing on the problems of decoration and ornament. He then turns to the language of architecture. If the main task of architecture is indeed interpretation, in just what sense can it be said to speak, and what should it be speaking about? Expanding upon suggestions made by Martin Heidegger, Harries also considers the relationship of building to the idea and meaning of dwelling.Architecture, Harries observes, has a responsibility to community; but its ethical function is inevitably also political. He concludes by examining these seemingly paradoxical functions.

Seller Inventory # CIN026258171XG

Title
The Ethical Function of Architecture
Author
Karsten Harries
Publisher
MIT Press Ltd
Publication year
1998
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
Language
English
ISBN 10
026258171X
ISBN 13
9780262581714

World of Books Inc

Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.

2-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Item4 to 12 business days3 to 6 business days
First item£ 0.00£ 8.10
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Store description

Founded in 2002, World of Books is a leading online destination for buying and selling both preloved and new books, committed to making sustainable reading accessible to all. With a mission to help people read more and waste less, World of Books offers a huge range of affordable, high-quality books — giving both new and preloved titles a second life. The company also operates World of Books – Sell Your Books, an easy-to-use platform that allows customers to trade in unwanted books for cash, helping to keep books in circulation while promoting sustainability. As a Certified B Corp, World of Books is driven by a vision to become the world’s largest and most sustainable dedicated online bookstore. The company measures its success through the positive environmental impact it creates, the value it provides to customers, and its ability to operate profitably while supporting its sustainable mission

Specialty

Second Hand - All Genre

Seller's business information

SBYB, Inc.

900 Knell Road
Montgomery, IL U.S.A. 60538