Benjamin for Architects

Elliott (philosophy, Oregon State U. and Portland State U.) explores implications for architects of the thought of Walter Benjamin (1892-1940). Among the contributions the German Jewish philosopher made, he says, are profound and nuanced reflections on modernity and modernism; detailed analysis of the social and political impact of the built environment; consideration of architecture as a crucial medium and repository for the intersection of personal and shared cultural memory; and a sense of the politically and historically charged nature of the meaning carried by the built environment. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Brian Elliott currently teaches philosophy at Oregon State and Portland State University. His recent book Constructing Community (Rowman & Littlefield, 2010) is an exploration of three contemporary theories of community in light of currently influential approaches to urban development across liberal democracies.