States of Emergency: Architecture, Urbanism, and the First World War

Dive into the profound impact of the First World War on the built environment with "States of Emergency: Architecture, Urbanism, and the First World War," a compelling collection of essays edited by Hochhausl Eckhold Sassin. Published by Leuven University Press in 2022, this paperback offers a fresh and critical reassessment of the conflict's lasting legacy, exploring its human, social, economic, and cultural dimensions through the lens of architecture and urban planning. Far beyond a simple recounting of battles and treaties, "States of Emergency" delves into the often-overlooked spatial consequences of the war. It examines how the chaos and disruption of the era fundamentally reshaped cities, landscapes, and the very fabric of daily life across five continents. This isn't just a history book; it's an investigation into how architecture both responded to and influenced the profound social and political transformations of the time. The book moves beyond traditional military history to consider the lived experiences of both combatants and civilians caught in the crosshairs of global conflict. The various states of emergencyfrom the squalor of refugee camps to the cold, calculated design of military installations, from the devastation of bombed-out villages to the altered rhythms of capital citiesare meticulously analyzed to reveal the crucial role architecture played in either alleviating or exacerbating the hardships of war. Explore the repurposing of military technologies for civilian use, a testament to human ingenuity born from necessity. Uncover the emergence of new cultures of education, care, and collective memory in the wake of unimaginable loss and trauma. Grapple with the spatial manifestations of underdevelopment and economic collapse, and the challenges of rebuilding shattered societies. This meticulously researched collection features contributions from leading scholars in the fields of architecture, urban studies, and history. Aubrey Knox (The Graduate Center of The City University of New York), Deborah Ascher Barnstone (University of Technology Sydney), Emma Thomas (Boston University), Da Hyung Jeong (Institute of Fine Arts, New York University), Julie Willis (The University of Melbourne), Katti Williams (The University of Melbourne), David Caralt (Universidad San Sebastin, Concepcin, Chile), Etien Santiago (Indiana University Bloomington), Theodossis Issaias (Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh), Min Kyung Lee (Bryn Mawr College), Massimiliano Savorra (Universit degli studi di Pavia), and Antje Senarclens de Grancy (Graz University of Technology) each bring their unique expertise to bear on this complex and multifaceted topic. "States of Emergency" is more than just a historical analysis; it's a vital contribution to understanding the enduring relationship between conflict and the built environment. It is relevant not only to students and researchers in architecture, urban planning, and history, but also to anyone interested in the social and cultural consequences of war and the power of architecture to shape human experience. Weighing in at 810 grams and spanning 336 pages, this thought-provoking volume provides an accessible and engaging entry point into a crucial but often neglected aspect of First World War history. Discover how a global conflict continues to shape the spaces we inhabit today.