response
Tom Wolfe’s perception in the Bauhaus and the movement of
Modern Architecture seems obstinate. First of all, it made me aware of the
social associations behind the modernist architects in the history of modern
architecture. However, there are times that made me doubt Tom Wolfe’s
architectural background and knowledge because it seems that no architects were
able to really please him, as evident in his continuously negative comments. Regardless
of his attack I still appreciate modern architecture and its simplicity, and
there were many fascinating architecture of glass and steel constructed during
that period. Despite that, his insight in this book was quite persuasive. Occasionally,
he did convince me to dissent with the movement of modern architecture. As much
as I respect the architecture, I couldn’t help but feel that simultaneously it
was also a reduction and limitation in the architectural scope of that era. On
the other hand, the way Tom Wolfe had described Gropius, Mies van der Rohe and
other elites of the Bauhaus whom had migrated from the World War to America as
the “White Gods” has emphasized the fact that they were very influential
people. They were powerful and ambitious enough to have completely transformed the
architecture of America. Although having that in mind, it took me by surprise
to have heard and read and witness the defeat of Frank Lloyd Wright by those
almighty White Gods. Frank Lloyd Wright, at least in the present day, has been
recognized as one of the most influential architects in American history.
Therefore, as well as the domination of the great “International Style” I also
feel confined within the non-bourgeois ideology.
Especially since it had moved into America and had ceased anyone who had dared
to think outside that steel and glass box, I felt it could be too “esoteric”, too
profound for the audience and only the architects would understand.
