Image Apocalypse： Photography in Modern Architecture Books

The issue of image is intricately intertwined with architectural theory and design. This paper delves into the integral role of architectural photography in publications since the nineteenth century. Taking the photographic perspectives of architects over time into consideration, it examines the evolution of the photographic image, which has paralleled the emergence and progression of modern architecture, and its subsequent transformation into a pivotal element in architectural literature. The paper contends that the development of architectural images, deeply intertwined with photography, has transcended its initial functions of mere reproduction and annotation, and involved into a conscious process of visual planning and image re-creation, not only showcasing advancements in design and visual technology, but also directly chronicling the conceptual history of image perception within modern architectural trends at the conceptual level.