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the complete review - architecture/philosophy

Socrates' Ancestor

by
Indra Kagis McEwen

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• An Essay in Architectural Beginnings

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Our Assessment:

C+ : significant, with interesting ideas, but presentation obscures the ideas and makes the text difficult to follow.

See our review for fuller assessment.

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The complete review's Review:

       Indra Kagis McEwen's essay on architectural beginnings is a small book that succinctly presents some fairly big ideas. The most fascinating part of the essay takes as its starting point a fragment by the pre-Socratic philosopher, Anaximander, and uses it and other work attributed to Anaximander in developing a foundation of modern architectural theory and practice. Building up on this she examines other important aspects of Greek culture that have had (and continue to have) an impact and influence on architecture.
       It is an interesting thesis, and Kagis has hit on some very important ideas. Regrettably the book remains that of a specialist, and can be difficult to approach. Her argument relies both on philology and philosophy, and her explanations are not always entirely clear. Nevertheless, it is recommended for anyone with an interest in architecture or early Greek philosophy.

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Links:

• MIT Press page on the book

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About the Author:

       Indra Kagis McEwen teaches architecture at the National Theatre School of Canada, and at l'Université du Québec à Montréal.

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