Alyssa Hankus
09/08/10
IAR222
Point One: Theories
Architecture can be defined in a number of ways, most individuals defining it differently. In iar222 we discussed that architecture could be considered an art form that we inhabit, and a form of dialogue with the past and future.
Is architecture the unavoidable art? When discussing this we quickly came to the conclusion that it was. Wherever we go we run into it, both physically and visually. We continuously engage with it, and hopefully delight in it.
“In architecture, as in all operative arts, the end must direct the operation. The end is to build well. Well building hath three conditions: commodity, firmness, and delight” (Sir Henry Wotton, class notes 8/27/10). With elaboration commodity is what we consider to be function, and it purpose. Firmness is its stability. Delight refers to the experience, culture, and location, and if the structure is enjoyable.
Design has a cycle like anything else. It starts at a young age, matures into middle age, and decreases with old age. I find it appealing that it has a similar cycle to the ones that created it, humans. As humans, and as designers we put our hearts and soul into these structures. It’s only fitting that they live a similar life to ours. Not only does it share our life cycle, but also our culture. As detailed in The Hidden Dimension by Edward T. Hall our culture, our language, and even relation to each other through space (comfortable distance) affects our architecture.
We discussed what was vernacular verses high style, and compared images. I understood vernacular to be of lesser importance than high style, or rather the architecture was not based on the same value system. High style to me would be something along the lines of the Daily Express Building (displayed below). The Daily Express Building is a tribute to the time. It is built around commerce, power, speed, and wealth. It was built with glass, concrete, mirrors, and metals with shine, and sheen showing prestige and grandeur. It has an elevated status verses a structure that would be considered vernacular such a house. While the vernacular structures still reflect the time period, and the materials used, it is still considered to be of lesser importance in the grand scheme of things based the amount of people that it effects.
This image in particular enables me to have a clearer understanding of the theories unit thus far in iar222. It depicts artifact, space, building, place, nature, people, material, and symbol. We have spent a lot of time covering this material, and breaking down which each term means. The Daily Express shows artifact because it corresponds with the mindset of the producer or architect/culture of time. It also shows the magnitude of the space, and the building, and the size and grandeur. It incorporates people in the metallic sculpture built into wall, and also uses symbolism through the nature of the work the people depicted are performing. It also clearly displays its materials of concrete, glass, metal, and mirrors.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/1157_art_deco/img/about/p_dailyexpress.jpg
I think you seem to have a very clear understanding of the unit. Your essay is very well thought out. However, I wish you would have made your essay less directed on the class and more generally stated. All in all I think it was a very good job!! Go YOU!
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty legit.
:)
You have made some really good points in this entry. I particularly enjoyed your thoughts on the "design cycle." However, I would like to draw you attention to a few things you could work on. When writing, you need to watch what tense you are writing in. It's easy to switch back and forth, but just go back and make sure everything is written in the same tense and that it flows well. Also, vernacular buildings aren't necessarily less important. While it is true that often these buildings have less resources put into them and might be viewed as less prestigious, they are very important since these are often the buildings in which people spend most of their time.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the fact that you included ideas from both the reading and class notes. For the most part you have a clear grasp of what the main ideas of the unit were about. However, I would say that vernacular and high style buildings are both equally important. They just contribute to architecture and our understanding of design in different ways. I like your explanation of why you chose the Daily Express Building as your image. I feel that an exterior shot showing the context would better convey your interpretations of the building's meaning, in terms of grandeur, size, and use of materials.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the connection you pulled about the cycle design goes through over time. I see the clear ideas you pulled from the readings and believe that you have a great understanding of what general aspects are being taught and through reading your writing I can say that I learned some myself! Thanks! Word count and quality of your writing is very good.
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