Discover one of the oddest and most beautiful books of the 19th century: Oliver Byrne’s edition of Euclid’s Elements. This work of art and science combines vivid primary colors and mathematical precision in a display of geometric form. Elements anticipates Bauhaus design and even modern info graphics used by news organizations.
Contemporary architectural theory emphasizes the importance of "tectonics," the term used to articulate the relationship among construction, structure, and architectural expression. Yet, little consideration has been given to the term's origins or historical significance. In this study, Oechslin examines the attempts by early Modern theoreticians of architecture to grapple with the relationship between appearance and essence. He locates the culmination of this search for "truth" in architectural expression in the work of Adolf Loos and the writings of theorists such as Bötticher, Le Corbusier, and Lux.