"The most vital force in architecture internationally in the twentieth century was the Modern Movement. Born of both newly developing structural techniques and a desire to break from the historic styles of the past, the Modern Movement stood out as encapsulating the essential spirit and energy of modern times. The effects of this international revolution in architectural design and aesthetics can be seen in Ireland from the 1920s onwards, although some of the seeds of change were evident earlier. This new book recounts in detail the formative period of modern architecture in Ireland during the years of the Irish Free State, from its founding in 1922 until the declaration of a republic in 1949. During this period, the various modernisation programmes of the fledgling state, from electrification to transportation and health provision, as well as a wide range of other functions, found a ready expression in the architectural forms of the Modern Movement."--Back cover.