Adolf Loos

Adolf Loos was an influential Austrian architect and critic, known for his contributions to modern architecture and his opposition to ornamentation. He believed that simplicity and functionality should be the key elements of architectural design, which he famously articulated in his essay 'Ornament and Crime'. His work and theories significantly shaped the development of modernist architecture.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Ornament And Crime

    Cover of 'Ornament And Crime' by Adolf Loos

    "Ornament and Crime" is a collection of essays by an influential architect and critic who argues passionately against the use of ornamentation in art and architecture. He posits that the evolution of culture is synonymous with the removal of ornament from everyday objects, suggesting that the urge to decorate our buildings and possessions is a primitive impulse. The author asserts that the absence of ornament is a sign of spiritual strength and that modern individuals should embrace simplicity and economy in design. This work has had a profound impact on the development of modern architecture, advocating for a focus on functionality and purity of form.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time