Wege der Moderne / Ways to Modernism

Exploring the contrasting philosophies of Hoffmann and Loos, Wege der Moderne / Ways to Modernism examines their influence on modern design and culture.

The book Wege der Moderne / Ways to Modernism delves into the contrasting philosophies of two pivotal figures in modern design: Josef Hoffmann and Adolf Loos. Hoffmann, who lived from 1870 to 1956, advocated for a comprehensive aestheticization of life, believing that beauty should permeate every aspect of existence. In contrast, Loos, who also lived from 1870 to 1933, viewed architecture and design primarily as functional elements that serve as a backdrop for individual expression. This dichotomy forms the backbone of the discussion in Wege der Moderne / Ways to Modernism, illustrating how these differing ideologies shaped the modern movement and influenced contemporary design practices.

The book serves as a catalogue for an exhibition at the MAK (Austrian Museum for Applied Art/Contemporary Art) in Vienna, highlighting the fundamental approaches of the Moderne movement. It presents an antithetical comparison of Hoffmann and Loos, exploring their responses to the challenges posed by industrialization and democratization in society. The text is enriched by 16 essays from notable European and American experts who analyze the various conditions that contributed to the evolution of these two distinct traditions.

Illustrated with key works from Hoffmann, Loos, and their predecessors like Otto Wagner, the book captures the essence of the Moderne movement in Vienna. It emphasizes significant moments in this artistic period and addresses central issues in the cultural debate, making Wege der Moderne / Ways to Modernism an essential read for anyone interested in the legacy of modern design.