Das Andere (The Other)

In 1903, Adolf Loos, one the sharpest and most influential architects and critics of the 20th century, edited the astonishing journal 'Das Andere' (The Other), subtitled 'A Journal for the introduction of Western Culture into Austria'. The journal was entirely written by Loos who also did the graphic design and even the advertisements. Nothing was off limits, from fashion to masturbation. It is a kind of manual to modern life. Only two issues were published and it was never translated into English, yet it takes us directly to the heart of Loos's polemical position. It is one of the most important documents of modernity, a radical and sometimes shocking statement. The publication was born out of Loos' aversion to the hypocrisy and superficial aestheticisation of life in Austria, which he saw embodied by the "Secession" movement and the "Wiener Werkstatte." As a counterbalance, 'Das Andere' showed Loos' admiration for the fashion and culture of England and America. He scrutinises every element of contemporary life with an acerbic wit. This facsimile edition allows today's readers to discover Loos' little magazine 'Das Andere' anew. Beatriz Colomina supplements the facsimile with an extensive critical introduction. German/ English text AUTHOR: Adolf Loos (1870-1933) was an Austrian architect and cultural commentator. As a vehement critic of Jugendstil and other contemporary styles and movements he helped pave the way for the development of modern architecture. Beatriz Colomina is an architecture theorist, curator and professor at the Princeton University School for Architecture. One of her research focuses is sexual fantasies in association with architecture.