Accidentism - Josef Frank

The focus of this charming, brief book is Josef Frank’s Accidentism and its use in 23 imaginary houses that he sketched for Dagmar Grill. There’s a brief section introducing Josef Frank and his relationship to the International Style, an English translation of his essay entitled “Accidentism,” very brief coverage of his proposed urban designs, and a very brief section covering his furniture and fabric designs for Svenskt Tenn. The bulk of the book covers the 23 house designs with descriptions, plans, elevations, and watercolor renderings. All of the drawings, with the exception of the renderings, are sketches.

With his theory of Accidentism, Josef Frank suggests that design should incorporate traits that make it appear to be accidental or unplanned. Frank justifies this position by using cities that people enjoy as examples, stating that cities generally accumulate over time and derive their charm through genuine accidents. He also states that complex building types cannot be art if the building is intended to function well because art is unchanging and unchangeable. Finally, Frank asserts that a certain amount of sentimentality is necessary in design, especially in house design.

As is generally true of Birkhäuser’s books, this book is beautifully produced. There are two editions of this book, one in Swedish and the other in English.