Scott Daniels 5a

Scott Daniels

10/9/11

Assignment 5a

Kenneth Frampton’s book “Studies in Tectonic Culture”(1995) asserts that the tectonic element of architecture is cultural. Frampton has supported his claim by compiling facts and beliefs from Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Louis Kahn, Karl Botticher, and many others. Frampton’s goal in this book was to shed light on tectonics in order to re-establish its importance in architectural design. In this book Frampton is speaking to architects and all who aspire to be an architect.

John Cava’s review of “Studies in Tectonic Culture” (1997), asserts that Frampton’s arguments are persuasive for two reasons: his command of the technical depth of his subject matter, and his ability to interpret the conceptual underpinnings of the buildings and writings he examines. Cava refers back to and quotes Frampton’s book throughout his review. Cava is evaluating Frampton’s statements and opinions in order to give readers a clearer understanding of what Frampton is saying while he is supporting his statements. In this review Cava is speaking to the architectural community.