20/20

Ordered chronologically, and global in scope, this book provides an account of modern architecture through the lens of twenty of the most influential houses built over the past century. By telling the stories of these houses, the book is a fascinating biography of some of the greatest modern architects. John Pardey examines the groundbreaking ideas and sensitivity to detailing and materials in houses designed by the likes of Gerrit Rietveld, Le Corbusier, Adolf Loos, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Giuseppe Terragni, Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, and Oscar Niemeyer—seeking to uncover the lessons they can offer for architects practicing today. 20/20 tells the story of the client, the architect, the house, and the events around the construction of each dwelling during the turbulent twentieth century. It offers a fascinating look at great architects in which revelations are found in their most intimate projects.

John Pardey is a leading architect and the recipient of several RIBA Awards and the 2013 Gold Medal for Architecture in Wales. His practice, John Pardey Architects (JPA), was named one of Britain’s top six residential design practices in the Sunday Times in April 2014. He has taught at the South Bank, PCL, Canterbury and Portsmouth Schools of Architecture. He is the author of Utzon: Two houses on Majorca and Louisiana and Beyond: The work of Vilhelm Wohler, and he has also contributed to Houses: Created by Peter Aldington.