On Classical and Modern in Architecture - In memoriam Zoltán Szentkirályi

Béla Pazár

doi:10.3311/ppar.7430

Abstract

We use the terms classical and modern naturally in everyday practice. One, usually to refer to eternal values, the other to the present, to what we consider up to date. We experience more the normative side of the first, and the operative character of the other. Classical, however, has never been something closed, to be simply revered, copied or imitated; on the contrary, it has been permanently working, by influencing and balancing us throughout ages, as a constituent part of every “following”, every “present”. Classical and modern belong together in this sense, preconditioning each other inseparably in their mental and social function.

Highlights

We use the terms classical and modern naturally in everyday practice
The modern need to define classical by exact methods of the intellect led to classicism, which was a notable development of early European modernity
Simo Paavilainen analysed the influence of the classical tradition on twentieth century Nordic Classicism, [8] and Kenneth Frampton outlined the operative role of the classical tradition in the rise of the European AvantGarde

Summary

Introduction

We use the terms classical and modern naturally in everyday practice. One, usually to refer to eternal values, the other to the present, to what we consider up to date. Art and architecture had nothing to do with imitation or the correction of nature and history as formulated by late nineteenth century industrial academism, based on the principles of classicism.

Results

Conclusion