Week 11:
Globalisation of
Modern architecture: The impact of Politics, Economics and Social Change on
Architecture and Urban Design since 1990, by Adam, Robert (2012).
This book was helpful to catch a glimpse to understand how certain factors could influence an urban design. As the saying goes “we learn by our mistakes”. This is why having information that create a link between urban design and all these components is useful. If you take these theories and apply them to nowadays situations, it is even more understandable. In terms of Economical and political context, it is quite easy to actually see the actual link when looking at a few cities. We can take the example of Dubai city. The urban design is completely showing the economical situation of the city, which is wealth. In terms of architectural style, we can see as well that the heritage from old colons is still there but the architectural style is slowly get away from it, trying to create their own style.
Every country is trying to stand up with own their own type of architecture. This is why I understand why Modern architecture has such a variety in term of definition and idea. With the envy to emancipate more and more from other countries and old colons, countries, we are able to observe many different type of building types.
Week 13:Oxford history of Art: Modern architecture, by Colquhoun, Alan (2002) (chapter on Adolf Loos)
Adolf Loos (1870-1933) was a pioneer in the modern architectural movement. He exposed the contradictions of contemporary architecture. He passed on his knowledge to LE Corbusier by influencing him, which did the same to others generations.
Because of his experience in the US, he became very close to Anglo – American culture. He was part of the people considering that Beaux art eclecticism was just a superficial system of ornament.
His opposition was based of the fact that “distinction between the craftsman and the artist” should be a split irreversible. In his opinion, they should be separated from each other. The problem was that the definition of a useful object was wrong because of the link between artist and craftsman. He believed that “an useful object is an object with purpose no matter how it was created, by hand or machine”.
His book “Ornament and crime” is a statement saying that the elimination of ornament from useful objects was the results of a cultural evolution, which landed to an abolition of waste and superfluity from human labour.
He considered the all process of creation as a beneficial act to the culture.
In my opinion, I tend to agree with his statement. First, the separation between craftsman and the artist is of course something that cannot be split. The work of any craftsman is art in some ways. Then, whatever the technique, it stills requires some important knowledge mainly know by these craftsman.
Art can survive in only 2 ways: free creation of works of art that no longer had any social responsibility and therefore were able to project ideas into the future and criticize contemporary society;
And secondly, in the design of buildings which embodied the collective memory.
I believe that art will always exist on some ways, with no regards towards how many followers there is in the movement. Of course, the number of followers or the popularity of that art is a direct consequence on how long the art is going to last.
The reading ends with a contrasted vision of modern architecture by Loos. I believed that modern architecture could still be the host of ornaments. Even though, it is true that nowadays, it is rare to find a building with ornament.
Because of his experience in the US, he became very close to Anglo – American culture. He was part of the people considering that Beaux art eclecticism was just a superficial system of ornament.
His opposition was based of the fact that “distinction between the craftsman and the artist” should be a split irreversible. In his opinion, they should be separated from each other. The problem was that the definition of a useful object was wrong because of the link between artist and craftsman. He believed that “an useful object is an object with purpose no matter how it was created, by hand or machine”.
His book “Ornament and crime” is a statement saying that the elimination of ornament from useful objects was the results of a cultural evolution, which landed to an abolition of waste and superfluity from human labour.
He considered the all process of creation as a beneficial act to the culture.
In my opinion, I tend to agree with his statement. First, the separation between craftsman and the artist is of course something that cannot be split. The work of any craftsman is art in some ways. Then, whatever the technique, it stills requires some important knowledge mainly know by these craftsman.
Art can survive in only 2 ways: free creation of works of art that no longer had any social responsibility and therefore were able to project ideas into the future and criticize contemporary society;
And secondly, in the design of buildings which embodied the collective memory.
I believe that art will always exist on some ways, with no regards towards how many followers there is in the movement. Of course, the number of followers or the popularity of that art is a direct consequence on how long the art is going to last.
The reading ends with a contrasted vision of modern architecture by Loos. I believed that modern architecture could still be the host of ornaments. Even though, it is true that nowadays, it is rare to find a building with ornament.
Week 14: The Russian revolutionary: Zaha Hadid on Kazimir Malevich, BBC, (2014).
This week reading (video) quite interesting since it was about the famous architect Zaha Hadid. The documentary was about showing off how did Zaha Hadid worked around her designs and one of her major inspirations: Kazimir Malevich.
The documentary reveal that abstraction was the key to understand how her mind works. How she tried to get the same principles from Malevich arts and applied them into her design.
She talks in the document about different pieces of art that inspired her, but the “Tektonic” one, was the actual piece that helped her most for a design proposal in the city of London.
Her idea for her design was to always question every convention, and try to move away from traditional rules and still create a functional building.
I thought that it was really useful in term of seeing how the mind of such a famous architect works. I felt connected regarding her approach with abstract theme. I like to think that I can create something physical out of something abstract, give it an actual physical representation.
I am trying on every of my project to always get that design process right on, explaining where I am coming from and where I want to go.
She talks in the document about different pieces of art that inspired her, but the “Tektonic” one, was the actual piece that helped her most for a design proposal in the city of London.
Her idea for her design was to always question every convention, and try to move away from traditional rules and still create a functional building.
I thought that it was really useful in term of seeing how the mind of such a famous architect works. I felt connected regarding her approach with abstract theme. I like to think that I can create something physical out of something abstract, give it an actual physical representation.
I am trying on every of my project to always get that design process right on, explaining where I am coming from and where I want to go.
Week 14 : Bauhaus 1919-1933: Weimar-Dessau-Berlin
Michael Siebenbrodt, Lutz Schobe, ebrary, Inc c2009 (pages 188-204.)
The Bauhaus buildings have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage because of the attention it had from the public eye.
From what I have read so far (pp.188-193) this reading Is more about how the Bauhaus style developed through the ages and different generation of architects. It gives me more information about their practice, more than about their designs/inspiration/ process, etc.… It gives us a little bit of technical information about the buildings but nothing more which I found really not helpful in any way for my design except for copying the ideas, but I found it really “desperate” as a design move.
I wish it presented more design process information about each building, more than just historical development. But it was good to see how the Bauhaus style evolved through the generation and were the actuals leaders.
From what I have read so far (pp.188-193) this reading Is more about how the Bauhaus style developed through the ages and different generation of architects. It gives me more information about their practice, more than about their designs/inspiration/ process, etc.… It gives us a little bit of technical information about the buildings but nothing more which I found really not helpful in any way for my design except for copying the ideas, but I found it really “desperate” as a design move.
I wish it presented more design process information about each building, more than just historical development. But it was good to see how the Bauhaus style evolved through the generation and were the actuals leaders.
Week 15: Architecture and narrative: the formation of space and cultural meaning
Sophia Psarra 2009 (Chapter on Mies van der Rohe, pp. 43-64)
This reading looks promising in terms of his subject. The fact that it is a review of the MVDR’s Barcelona Pavilion reveals to me that it is going to expose design’s pros and cons. It started with an interesting fact that the Pavilion is characterised as “a classical, yet modern, symbolic house and an abstract temple” (Padovan 2002:110), a “domestic building” (Dodds 2005:11), a small landscape (Constant 1990: 46). It is really interesting how a building can be interpreted in so many ways with notions that contradict together (classical vs modern).
Mr Rowe clearly played around with opposite concepts in his design to create this “iconic” structure, which to me sound like something completely new that certainly made it so famous. The idea revealed about his design on how he used the “symmetry” and “asymmetry” is something really clever and could be used to create something really interesting (not only shape but materials as well).
I found the geometry analysis quite interesting, revealing something that looks without any sense, with an actual perfect design idea behind. Whether or not it was intended by MVDR, I found it quite genius.
Unfortunately, the pictures did not load with the online download link so I could not get a hold of every theory it explained but I am pretty amazed by how we can actually see a building. Looking at it through all this settings (geometry, reflections, etc.) makes it really complicated but at the same time without taking any of its beauty away.
The way he designed the Pavilion by opposing so many features could be an interesting features that I might use for my next project.
Mr Rowe clearly played around with opposite concepts in his design to create this “iconic” structure, which to me sound like something completely new that certainly made it so famous. The idea revealed about his design on how he used the “symmetry” and “asymmetry” is something really clever and could be used to create something really interesting (not only shape but materials as well).
I found the geometry analysis quite interesting, revealing something that looks without any sense, with an actual perfect design idea behind. Whether or not it was intended by MVDR, I found it quite genius.
Unfortunately, the pictures did not load with the online download link so I could not get a hold of every theory it explained but I am pretty amazed by how we can actually see a building. Looking at it through all this settings (geometry, reflections, etc.) makes it really complicated but at the same time without taking any of its beauty away.
The way he designed the Pavilion by opposing so many features could be an interesting features that I might use for my next project.
Week 16: Garden cities of to-morrow
Ebenezer Howard, Frederic James Osborn 2007 (Chapter XIII: The Future of London, pp. 151-159)
This week’s reading is about the garden cities of tomorrow. It starts by setting the context, introducing the actual problem that our cities are becoming crowded as the time passes. It also describes the cause to fight against it as a lost cause.
The author actually looks at the context from a “morbid” point of few, dooming the situation of London. It is true that if it continues at this rhythm, all this predictions will come alive so I will not counter it. The fact is that, I was expecting a solution proposition instead of this damnation of the situation. I believe that there is quite a lot of greener architecture that are happening all over the world so it is only a matter of time until London gets really into it. I can recall the city of Montreal being really active on these matters, trying to actually make the city more “greener” with urban management. One of them being, the famous “Place des Arts” in the centre of Montreal. Combining functionality and environmental solutions. |
In my opinion, Greener cities could be the actual next architectural style if I can say that. There is something really practical about it, and yet still aesthetic as well that I like.
Week 17: Brutalism
Nurturing dreams: collected essays on architecture and the city - Fumihiko Maki, Mark Mulligan
This week’s reading is about describing the effects of Le Corbusier’s theories on the Japanese ‘s architecture evolution. The author, Fumihiko Maki, spend this chapter explaining the reasons behind Le Corbusier’s important contribution to Japan.
Until now, I think that this reading is the one that really shows the importance of context regarding architectural evolutions.
This text takes the example Le Corbusier. The text highlight three different periods in Japanese architecture: the first being from the end of the 1920s through the 1930s, right before the World War II. The second started as the post war period going from 1950s to 1960s. And the third one is the period that follows his death until nowadays. In each period, we learn that Le Corbusier influenced the architecture by different means.
I enjoyed two expressions Fumihiko used to describe this syndrome. The first one is the comparison between Le Corbusier’s influence and the ripple effect of a stone on water. She used it to highlight the special character of this syndrome, because unlike a ripple effect, the syndrome did not vanish but instead persisted with other ripple to create a new complex relationship. The second expression is the association of Le Corbusier’s influence with effect of a cloud’s shadow. An example, which I found pretty accurate regarding inspiration that architects and even other artistic profession faces during a project development. She used that analogy to symbolize the constant influence that Le Corbusier had even if it sub-consciously.
What she is actually describing is a phenomenon very true to our situation as students. Every time we face a new project and we reach the design moment, what we create will always have precedence somewhere. It is hard to create something completely new, but I think as modern architects, at some point we will need to mark our time as well and maybe define a new style as well.
Until now, I think that this reading is the one that really shows the importance of context regarding architectural evolutions.
This text takes the example Le Corbusier. The text highlight three different periods in Japanese architecture: the first being from the end of the 1920s through the 1930s, right before the World War II. The second started as the post war period going from 1950s to 1960s. And the third one is the period that follows his death until nowadays. In each period, we learn that Le Corbusier influenced the architecture by different means.
I enjoyed two expressions Fumihiko used to describe this syndrome. The first one is the comparison between Le Corbusier’s influence and the ripple effect of a stone on water. She used it to highlight the special character of this syndrome, because unlike a ripple effect, the syndrome did not vanish but instead persisted with other ripple to create a new complex relationship. The second expression is the association of Le Corbusier’s influence with effect of a cloud’s shadow. An example, which I found pretty accurate regarding inspiration that architects and even other artistic profession faces during a project development. She used that analogy to symbolize the constant influence that Le Corbusier had even if it sub-consciously.
What she is actually describing is a phenomenon very true to our situation as students. Every time we face a new project and we reach the design moment, what we create will always have precedence somewhere. It is hard to create something completely new, but I think as modern architects, at some point we will need to mark our time as well and maybe define a new style as well.
Week 18: Frank Lloyd Wright
Peter Smithsom: conversation with students : a space for our generation
This week’s reading is an extract from the interview Peter Smithson had with students. The reading is divided into two sections: the first one is like an introduction of the architects and his “background”. It is more like an entrée if I had to define it before getting into the real subject about space. The most noticeable aspect that I would keep from that part is the question about “how his ideas about architecture changed over the years”. It reveals an aspect of architecture that we all need to, at some point in our life, grab. It explains how Peter slowly changed his approach about designs and architecture. For us students, it is sometimes a fact that we don’t see coming, but something that we really need to evolves as architect. Architecture itself evolved by learning from each movement, whether it’s from different types of art or architecture itself.
The second part is more about our student’s generation. It then slowly transfers to the idea “emptiness”: What to do with it? How to transform it? How to make it more like our generation?
I had trouble relating to this reading personally. I only found myself in the last questions about “how do you know when you have captured the idea of a project in the design? Of course, it doesn’t come as a surprise but it is reassuring that we all face up the same challenges.
The second part is more about our student’s generation. It then slowly transfers to the idea “emptiness”: What to do with it? How to transform it? How to make it more like our generation?
I had trouble relating to this reading personally. I only found myself in the last questions about “how do you know when you have captured the idea of a project in the design? Of course, it doesn’t come as a surprise but it is reassuring that we all face up the same challenges.
Week 24: Modern, regionalism: Alto, Barragan, Siza, Kahn
Frank Lloyd Wright: Falling on Water. Dejan Sudji assesses the work and philosophy of the great American architect, with particular emphasis on his famous house
This week’s reading has for subject one of the famous architects as a subject: Frank Lloyd Wright. In this audio document, the author Dejan Sudji evaluate the work and philosophy FLW by focussing on the Falling water house built in the1934.
It starts with a small biography of FLW, who is certainly, the 19th century ‘s individual figure of the early modernism. The falling water is just one of his building that reflects all the theories he elaborated for his Prairie School. This building is a sequence of flat horizontal lines combined with flat roof and overhanging eaves. It is also a clear symbol of his organic architectural style. This document highlights how FLW, for probably his most famous building, embraced his philosophy by merging with nature.
The audio describes how FLW work is an essence of spiral approach, and how nature was such a big inspiration to this project. I believe that this is truly an understatement of how successful the merge between nature and architecture has been on this project.
This week ‘s reading reminded us of how physical context is important to our designs, whether it is urban or rural: We have to think about the wider context so that our design can fully be effective.
It starts with a small biography of FLW, who is certainly, the 19th century ‘s individual figure of the early modernism. The falling water is just one of his building that reflects all the theories he elaborated for his Prairie School. This building is a sequence of flat horizontal lines combined with flat roof and overhanging eaves. It is also a clear symbol of his organic architectural style. This document highlights how FLW, for probably his most famous building, embraced his philosophy by merging with nature.
The audio describes how FLW work is an essence of spiral approach, and how nature was such a big inspiration to this project. I believe that this is truly an understatement of how successful the merge between nature and architecture has been on this project.
This week ‘s reading reminded us of how physical context is important to our designs, whether it is urban or rural: We have to think about the wider context so that our design can fully be effective.
Week 25: Regional Modernism in Japan: Kenzo Tange, F. Maki, Arata Isozaki, Tadao Ando
Abstract Neo-Plasticity and Its Architectural Manifestation in the Luis Barragan House/Studio of 1947
This week’s reading treats about Luis Barrangan’s House and its relationship with the abstract Neo-Plasticism movement. This building has been the home and studio of Luis Barragan (LB). Located in the urban Mexico, it had to protects himself form the neighbours to allow some privacy. Has the author says, it is easy to observe how LB played with his front and back to preserve his privacy. The windows are designed in a way to allow light in the design but at the same time maintain privacy.
The way he designed is building clearly reflects some of the Neo-Plasticism characteristics. The author underlines how LB mainly designs a space composed of straight lines or rectangular areas. It is also a space that contains absolutely no curves, no diagonal, nor circles. On top of that, he used for his finishes primary colours and some bold colours to balance direct lines. It is almost as if, as he designed it, he checked every boxes of the Neo-Plasticism movement.
This reading was interesting in the sense that, it reminded me of how architecture is link with arts because this movement was an artistic movement to begin with and LB found a way to completely transfer it into his design. It is also very refreshing to examine this building, which appear as a bubble of freshness with
The way he designed is building clearly reflects some of the Neo-Plasticism characteristics. The author underlines how LB mainly designs a space composed of straight lines or rectangular areas. It is also a space that contains absolutely no curves, no diagonal, nor circles. On top of that, he used for his finishes primary colours and some bold colours to balance direct lines. It is almost as if, as he designed it, he checked every boxes of the Neo-Plasticism movement.
This reading was interesting in the sense that, it reminded me of how architecture is link with arts because this movement was an artistic movement to begin with and LB found a way to completely transfer it into his design. It is also very refreshing to examine this building, which appear as a bubble of freshness with
http://www.archdaily.com/102599/ad-classics-casa-barragan-luis-barragan/
Week 26: Postmodern Architecture: Team X and European Discourse. IBA, Rossi, Stern, Krier, Stirling
Modernity, space and national representation at the Tokyo Olympics 1964
This week’s reading was a piece of work written by Christian Tagsold how on an event like the Olympics help Tokyo to rediscover itself architecturally speaking. The article was meant to show us “how symbolic layers of architecture and space aimed at linking history and modernity while bypassing the highly problematic legacy of ultra-nationalism and the World War II”. It is important to know that the Olympics have always had this symbol of modernity. Every Olympics was the opportunity for the host to expose a façade, which would represent everything about the country. It is most all of opportunity to show the rest of the world a country’s potential regarding urbanism and economical situation. This event is the perfect event to transform the city, taking a big leap from the history to create modern pieces of architectures and infrastructures. This leap can be observed with the location of the Tokyo’s games, being next to the Meiji tennô’s shrine, which was a symbol of modernism during his rule. One of the key layers established for the Olympics as the Yoyogi National Gymnasium designed by Kenzo Tange. Just like for other Olympics, he was in charge to design a hallmark of modernity that will be recognized around the world. He used one of critical events in Japan’s history; Hiroshima’s bombing, as reminder of the past in his design. Another layer that helps the process is all the transformation regarding infrastructure in order to follow the modernism that the venues would bring to the city.
This reading was so interesting, it brought out very interesting points about events like the Olympics and there role into modernism or city transformation. I do not know all cities that have hosted the Olympics but from the ones I know I believe Tokyo 64 and Beijing 2008 were the ones that truly showcased such evolution. I admire the fact that Tokyo used that event as a proof to the rest of the world what a great country they are. Nowadays, looking ta recent events like the World Cup 2014, it is hard to think that such aspirations are behind hosting this kind of events. |
Week 27: PostmodernArchitecture: Robert Venturi and the American discourse, Pop Art
“Pruitt-Igoe, Now”, by Nora Wendl
This week’s reading is about the Pruitt Igoe housing project. It recalls the events that happened around the Pruitt and Igoe housing project. This week’s reading underlined how sometime architecture can fail. In this particular example, it reveals how an urban planning can fail if the infrastructure and the background is not ready yet to face such transformation. The first intention of the Pruitt project was to provide a new look for the neighbourhood and housing a big community. For some reason, the occupancy of the buildings continued to decline, this process lead to the destruction of a few tower block. Some blames the architects for ignoring the economic and social problems, which obviously lead to such a failure.
It is really interesting to see how preliminary research about the site is crucial to a project. The overall context of the site had too many problems to fit the profile of such a housing project. I believe it is a also a problem of culture, because as the author mentioned “the Pruitt-Igoe housing was as beloved as it is hated among as many former residents”. It would like to make a link to Adolf Loos’s essay “Ornament and Crime”. Some residents actually enjoyed their dwelling, because they were able to welcome the change, they were able to welcome the modernity. Whether others, could not welcomed it because of racial issues or other personal reasons. It is true that now that I look at the project, in my opinion, it wasn’t the prettiest housing blocks that I have seen but probably at that time it was a major leap into the future.
It is really interesting to see how preliminary research about the site is crucial to a project. The overall context of the site had too many problems to fit the profile of such a housing project. I believe it is a also a problem of culture, because as the author mentioned “the Pruitt-Igoe housing was as beloved as it is hated among as many former residents”. It would like to make a link to Adolf Loos’s essay “Ornament and Crime”. Some residents actually enjoyed their dwelling, because they were able to welcome the change, they were able to welcome the modernity. Whether others, could not welcomed it because of racial issues or other personal reasons. It is true that now that I look at the project, in my opinion, it wasn’t the prettiest housing blocks that I have seen but probably at that time it was a major leap into the future.
Week 28: Deconstruction: Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, Gehry, Libeskind, Tschumi
Radical Post-Modernism and Content: Charles Jencks and Rem Koolhaas Debate the Issue
This week’s reading is a debate that happened between Charles Jencks and Rem Koolhaas, transcribed and edited by Eva Branscome. I am going to be honest about that reading. I was expecting to get a lot of insight about Post modernism and its content, but instead I got all this talk that I could not relate to the actual subject. I am pretty sure that is because I lack of knowledge but it sounded like I was a death person assisting to a debate: I could not hear a thing. All I could see, is how the CCTV building is truly a masterpiece as a iconic building, the way it stands proud in the middle of the urban area with its unique features. Later during the debate, they start debating over politics. Now, I know politic is as important as economical context but I thought that, unless it is like a dictatorial regime, the political context kind of fits as a background context.
Week 29:High tech: Foster, Piano
Architecture and Transgression: An Interview with Bernard Tschumi, by Mosley, J and S, Rachel
This week’s reading is an interview with Bernard Tschumi. It focuses on how, sometimes transgression appears in architecture how it would break certain rules. It starts with a little semantic about what transgression is: basically “transgression is the overcoming of unacceptable prevalences”. It is interesting how, in the first part of his interview, Tschumi describes how modern society is very based on visuals.
Architecture, just like any other domain, will always be divided into two major groups: those who follow the rule and those who breaks them. The second group are the ones responsible for transgressing in architecture. It is fascinating to see how such fashion evolved through time.
This week’s reading can be relevant to the current design studio project we are doing. Especially when you look at it from the same point of views as Tschumi. In his last question, he takes the example of cross-programming and trans-programming. This kind of doing is something very popular on a modern context. Buildings nowadays, often have to respond a multiple demands from the public. Therefore it is essential that some buildings might have more than just one program. Just like the design we are currently doing, the main program is a school but according to clients we might have to add something more to it.
Architecture, just like any other domain, will always be divided into two major groups: those who follow the rule and those who breaks them. The second group are the ones responsible for transgressing in architecture. It is fascinating to see how such fashion evolved through time.
This week’s reading can be relevant to the current design studio project we are doing. Especially when you look at it from the same point of views as Tschumi. In his last question, he takes the example of cross-programming and trans-programming. This kind of doing is something very popular on a modern context. Buildings nowadays, often have to respond a multiple demands from the public. Therefore it is essential that some buildings might have more than just one program. Just like the design we are currently doing, the main program is a school but according to clients we might have to add something more to it.
Week 30: Modern-form makers: Scandinavian design
The Brits who Built the Modern World, BB
This week’s reading is a documentary filmed by the BBC 4 channel about how English architects reinvented modernism, when it looked like it was its end. Young architects like Richard Roger, Norman Foster and Nicholas Grimshaw are among that list. They began to be seen as a movement: high tech. It all started at a moment in time where these architects needed to create an iconic building to truly start the movement.
The first part of the documentary, about Lloyd’s building, underlines a few keys about the modern movement. Modernism is a big step into the future, so it was very common that some people would still be against it. It did not matter how he tried to mix old with new, because for the conservative’s people it was not acceptable. The main problem with modernism, as Prince Charles stated, was the relationship with the past. All these architects, of after the other, faced the struggle of implementing a new style.
The High tech movement was such a brutal progress regarding architecture evolution. As I watched the documentary, I kind of feel what the sceptics would have feel at that time. Among the examples, I believe the cricket stadium was truly the example that worked perfectly. It combined the future and the past in a convenient way and manages to keep the atmosphere of the place.
High tech is not really a movement I consider myself attached to. I am a fan of steel and glass; unfortunately high tech is not just about the materials. I was particularly fascinated by the research building, I thought the vertical support was very effective and well executed, providing excellent original support to the structure.
The first part of the documentary, about Lloyd’s building, underlines a few keys about the modern movement. Modernism is a big step into the future, so it was very common that some people would still be against it. It did not matter how he tried to mix old with new, because for the conservative’s people it was not acceptable. The main problem with modernism, as Prince Charles stated, was the relationship with the past. All these architects, of after the other, faced the struggle of implementing a new style.
The High tech movement was such a brutal progress regarding architecture evolution. As I watched the documentary, I kind of feel what the sceptics would have feel at that time. Among the examples, I believe the cricket stadium was truly the example that worked perfectly. It combined the future and the past in a convenient way and manages to keep the atmosphere of the place.
High tech is not really a movement I consider myself attached to. I am a fan of steel and glass; unfortunately high tech is not just about the materials. I was particularly fascinated by the research building, I thought the vertical support was very effective and well executed, providing excellent original support to the structure.
http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/hongkong-and-shanghai-bank-headquarters/
https://www.lloyds.com/~/media/images/lloyds/about%20lloyds/lloyds%20building/exterior/lloyds%20building%20exterior%20hires/20111108exterior1.jpg
https://www.lloyds.com/~/media/images/lloyds/about%20lloyds/lloyds%20building/exterior/lloyds%20building%20exterior%20hires/20111108exterior1.jpg
Week 31: Modern-form makers: Dahinden, Meier, Candela, Calatrava, Utzon, Tony Hunt, Peter Rise
“The diversity of timber in Alvar Aalto's architecture: forests, shelter and safety”, byTeija Isohauta
This week’s reading concentrate on Alvar Aalto’s architecture. We learn in the introduction the profound link he possesses with the timber. It is a link that is deeply rooted in the tradition of Finland. His surrounding context led him into what is today his specialty and trademark.
Timber has always been a material that I like to use. Maybe, because just like him or Frank Lloyd wright, I feel like architecture should try to get as much closer to nature as possible. Timber is probably the oldest material used by humans for construction. Alvar Alto have always worked closely with timber, therefore it was necessary that at some points he would be an expert. Instead of following the modern European architecture, he tried to stay away from it and create a personal style. He started to experiment with timber in order to create different shapes and form for his buildings.
From this week’s reading, it is important to grasp the importance of background. Someone’s cultural background could be the premise of a new kind of style. I think that if I start researching something just like he did I could be able to design something unique issued from my own multicultural background.
Timber has always been a material that I like to use. Maybe, because just like him or Frank Lloyd wright, I feel like architecture should try to get as much closer to nature as possible. Timber is probably the oldest material used by humans for construction. Alvar Alto have always worked closely with timber, therefore it was necessary that at some points he would be an expert. Instead of following the modern European architecture, he tried to stay away from it and create a personal style. He started to experiment with timber in order to create different shapes and form for his buildings.
From this week’s reading, it is important to grasp the importance of background. Someone’s cultural background could be the premise of a new kind of style. I think that if I start researching something just like he did I could be able to design something unique issued from my own multicultural background.
Week 32:Modern-form makers: Moneo, Jean Nouvel, Herzog and de Meuron, Kahn
Félix Candela. In memorian (1910-1997). From thin concrete shells to the 21st century’s lightweight structures, P. Cassinello(*), M. Schlaich, J.A. Torroja
This week’s reading focus on Felix Candela, “one of the most famous actors in modern architecture’s thin shell adventure” as the article says. He became famous thanks to the construction of over 800 thin concrete shells. The other contribution he made to modern architecture was the optimization of structural forms with different materials and technologies. Félix Candela left a legacy of structural forms, which are based on the use of a single geometry (the hyperbolic paraboloid).
Unfortunately these specials shells started to disappear after the death of all 9 engineers or architects involved in the process. This is an important point regarding the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the other. Of course thee physical buildings are still here but the techniques used won’t be reproduced at the same standards as they used to be. This kind of situation is nothing new to civilisation; it has been the same thing from Stone Age until now. A lot of knowledge and techniques, which were mastered by them, disappeared slowly in time. The good thing from that is that the new generation took what they knew from them and tried to transform it into something slightly new, something more modern. That something new is lightweight structure. Thanks to this lightweight structure, the modern architects have a lot more options compared to Candela’s age.
This week’s reading come to hand in a way that it remind me of how important physical testing is important for any design. It is a stepping stone for progress and transformation.
Unfortunately these specials shells started to disappear after the death of all 9 engineers or architects involved in the process. This is an important point regarding the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the other. Of course thee physical buildings are still here but the techniques used won’t be reproduced at the same standards as they used to be. This kind of situation is nothing new to civilisation; it has been the same thing from Stone Age until now. A lot of knowledge and techniques, which were mastered by them, disappeared slowly in time. The good thing from that is that the new generation took what they knew from them and tried to transform it into something slightly new, something more modern. That something new is lightweight structure. Thanks to this lightweight structure, the modern architects have a lot more options compared to Candela’s age.
This week’s reading come to hand in a way that it remind me of how important physical testing is important for any design. It is a stepping stone for progress and transformation.
Week 33:Modern materials and technologies: Saarinen, Scarpa, Zumthor, Chipperfield
On concrete materiality in architecture, by Ute Poerschke
This week’s reading is focusing on the concrete materiality in architecture. This reading is divided in a very interesting way, highlighting key elements that the reader need to know about the concrete material.
At first, we are introduced with the material by looking at its structural properties. In the document there is a interesting quote: “Brick should appear as brick, wood as wood, iron as iron, each according to its statical laws”. Such statement caused a few debates; some argued that the materials should always be use as a true simplicity, where others argued that we could disguise materials into materials. It is hard for one material to copy another structure, near impossible if I am not wrong.
Material’s surfaces are such an important part in architecture. It is important that each architect understand the relationship between architecture and materials. Both Kahn and Zumthor understood that relationship, and that is why their buildings are communicating the ideas that they first intended to.
I could not agree more on the importance of materials. Growing up, I have always been close to nature and its materials. So when I look at a building like Zumthor’s thermal SPA, I can understand how the concrete is used to convey emotions.
I have been trying for my Studio projects to achieve the same experience. I found myself using the materials, as it’s simplest to actually convey what nature is.
At first, we are introduced with the material by looking at its structural properties. In the document there is a interesting quote: “Brick should appear as brick, wood as wood, iron as iron, each according to its statical laws”. Such statement caused a few debates; some argued that the materials should always be use as a true simplicity, where others argued that we could disguise materials into materials. It is hard for one material to copy another structure, near impossible if I am not wrong.
Material’s surfaces are such an important part in architecture. It is important that each architect understand the relationship between architecture and materials. Both Kahn and Zumthor understood that relationship, and that is why their buildings are communicating the ideas that they first intended to.
I could not agree more on the importance of materials. Growing up, I have always been close to nature and its materials. So when I look at a building like Zumthor’s thermal SPA, I can understand how the concrete is used to convey emotions.
I have been trying for my Studio projects to achieve the same experience. I found myself using the materials, as it’s simplest to actually convey what nature is.
http://www.remodelista.com/posts/poetry-in-space-vals-thermal-spa-in-switzerland
Week 34: Modern materials and technologies: Williams & Tsien, Scogin & Elam, Arup, Sustainable design
Building and exhibition layout: Sainsbury Wingcompared with Castelvecchio, by Kali Tzortzi
This week’s reading is about comparing the design of the Sainsbury wing with Castelvecchio. The reading focuses on elements such as perspective, spatial arrangement and routes. These elements are keys when designing a building, it always allow the architects to reflect the building typology. Both buildings present different characteristics: the first one decided to focus on circulation as a key element for the layout and the second one focus on the hierarchy among the spaces.
This reading reminded me a lot of multiple of my previous Studio project. I have always tried to be really on point with the circulation among my design. Of course, in my opinion, I believe that spatial organisation and circulation are elements that go with each other. Because it is one thing to organise the layout of the space but I think that to make it really efficient, it has to merge with a key circulation in between the spaces. Sometimes, the building typology or the surrounding context will help define these elements. I believe this is what happened for Sainsbury and Castelvecchio.
Even though it looks like I put less importance to the perspective, it should not be forgotten. Perspective can be use in a way to put an emphasis on elements that would be key. It can be cross with lighting to create special atmosphere depending on the space’s purpose.
This reading reminded me a lot of multiple of my previous Studio project. I have always tried to be really on point with the circulation among my design. Of course, in my opinion, I believe that spatial organisation and circulation are elements that go with each other. Because it is one thing to organise the layout of the space but I think that to make it really efficient, it has to merge with a key circulation in between the spaces. Sometimes, the building typology or the surrounding context will help define these elements. I believe this is what happened for Sainsbury and Castelvecchio.
Even though it looks like I put less importance to the perspective, it should not be forgotten. Perspective can be use in a way to put an emphasis on elements that would be key. It can be cross with lighting to create special atmosphere depending on the space’s purpose.
Week 35: Current debates: Mipim, Cannes and Venice BiennaleIain Macdonald & Ana Souto
At Ohio State University, Mack ScoginMerrill Elam's new KNOWLTON HALL brings the design process to the larger academic community, by Sara Hart
This week’s reading is about the new building of the Ohio State University. The reading explains the story about the design and what have driven the design to its completion. It explains everything that they had to face, from the budget issues to the spatial organisation to the context.
The story behind the design is that Mack Scogin approached this project with a mission that goes beyond giving a form that suits the architectural function. The director wanted an open atmosphere with spaces available for use by other programs within the university.
This document reveals how committed every person on this project was. It is important to witness a bit of the design evolution though this text. As future architects, it is important that get a understanding of the process is actually working, so this case allow us to grasp a few key notes of the procedure.
The story behind the design is that Mack Scogin approached this project with a mission that goes beyond giving a form that suits the architectural function. The director wanted an open atmosphere with spaces available for use by other programs within the university.
This document reveals how committed every person on this project was. It is important to witness a bit of the design evolution though this text. As future architects, it is important that get a understanding of the process is actually working, so this case allow us to grasp a few key notes of the procedure.
Reflective conclusion
I found the reading materials in general as a helpful resource. Although I had problems with some of them, I believe I understand the bigger part of them. It was truly inspiring, because it allows me to discover more about the contemporary architecture. I discovered some exciting details that I would certainly not have discover by myself. So for that I really appreciated the reading part of this module. I found only one of the reading directly linked with my essay. Since I picked the Adolf Loos essay, the Adolf loos reading was obviously very close to my subject. To be honest, it helped me in the choosing part of the essay subject. The other readings, I reckon they might be useful for studio. I already found and taken note of a few of them that I think I will use a support resources for my final design studio project. On top of my head I can think of Alvar Alto and the one about the Japanese Olympics. I think they were the ones that would help me a lot, because the put a strong emphasis on the context when it comes to the design. Readings are one of the most important tools as resources for people that want to learn. Our predecessor in writings only transmitted some knowledge to us; therefore it is important that we keep on reaching out for these readings.