Edwardian Architecture: Style and Technology - Tapa dura

The Edwardian period represents a time of optimism and confidence in building design and construction. The rapid developments in building technology at the turn of the century, the demand for new types of buildings, and the variety of styles in use combined to create a rich and diverse architecture. This book is the first to examine the relationship between style and technology in Edwardian architecture, and to assess the relevance of the Edwardian situation to the present day search for a new richness in architecture.
The adoption of new technology, along with the advent of full-time architectural education, had a tremendous impact on both the theory and execution of building construction; this, combined with the expansion of consumerism, resulted in an increase in large-scale building projects, and the development of a wide range of new and improved building types: libraries, museums, telephone exchanges, department stores, swimming pools and higher education colleges.
Edwardian Architecture includes examples of a range of different building types which are discussed in detail against the background of the contemporary architectural debate, the advance of technology, social change and urban growth.