Kay Fisker: Danish Functionalism and Block-Based Housing

This is the first book on the architecture of Kay Fisker (1893-1965), a leading exponent of Danish Functionalism. Influenced by Louis Sullivan, Fisker had a strong belief in continuity, putting modernism in perspective, and identifying precedents. He built many large scale housing schemes, mostly for non-profit workers' housing associations, and developed innovative, high-density, low-rise block schemes, which have proven useful and influential to the growing number of contemporary architects who have examined his designs. Beautifully illustrated with photographs and architectural drawings, this book documents and critically analyses three of Kay Fisker's seminal housing projects in Copehagen: Hornbaekhus (1923), Vestersohus (1935-39), and Dronningegarden (1943- 58). These projects reflect how Fisker's work contains valuable lessons for contemporary architects in economy, precision, and generosity in housing design. An introduction sets Fisker's work within their historical, social, and architectural context. A final section includes in-depth case studies of the three award-winning contemporary architects: Tony Fretton, Clancy Moore, and Job Floris. The architects explain their projects and how these have been influenced by Fisker.