Building and exhibition layout: Sainsbury Wing compared with Castelvecchio - Kali Tzortzi 2004

Reading 19 (Week 33)
Exhibition and building layout

The article looks at the spatial layout with a museum using two examples to present this, Sainsburys Wing of Londons National Museum and Casteivecchio in Verona.

'the power of space overrides the intentions of the curators when it comes to the morphology of movement and exploration.' Everything is visible and the user is clearly led through the museum spaces. I found this reading particular interesting towards my final project as we are designing a gallery museum space. I found with Casteivecchio the journey through the building is enhanced by scarpa, this is because the museum takes on a modern and historic approach. I feel from this article in terms of space planning and layout I will benefit from in later projects.

On concrete materiality in architecture - Ute Poerschke 2013

Reading 18 (Week 32)
Concrete Materiality

What is material as such in architecture? The article addresses this question examining sources from the 18th century to today, from Carlo Lodoli and Peter Zumthor. It was necessary, according to Lodoli, to study the material in question and find the appropriate forms for it. Discusses in the article is the importance of materiality in architecture and how the materiality refers to the solidity of the material which follows on well from last weeks reading.

As a material concrete is very flexible with the advances in todays technology and the understanding of the material itself. Concrete today is still at large being used for foundation structures, the constant development of the structure is what makes it so successful today. Concrete is a material I use in my spaces to create a fearful daunting atmosphere this reading has inspired me to look at different effects and feelings concrete may achieve. 

(The Principle of Cladding): 'Every material possesses its own language of forms, and none may lay claim for itself to the forms of another material. For forms have been constituted out of the applicability and the methods of production of materials. They have come into being with and through materials. No material permits an encroachment into its own circle of forms. Whoever dares to make such an encroachment notwithstanding this is branded by the world a counterfeiter.'

The diversity of timber in Alvar Aalto's architecture: forests, shelter and safety

Reading 16 (Week 30)
The diversity of timber in Alvar Aaltos architecture.

Alto discusses using organic materials, stone and timber, these materials that have been around for thousands of years creating spaces far more comfortable than anything made of manmade materials, steel or glass. There was a 15% increase in architectural structures using timber by the 1950s as many architects followed his tradition. People always feared the health and safety that the building may watch fire due to the materials used.

I found this article gave me a better understanding to the creative side of using wood within designs rather than being technical which I will use within my upcoming projects.

Architecture and transgression: an interview with Bernard Tschumi - Jonathan Mosley, Rachel Sara 2013

Reading 14 (Week 18)
An interview with Bernad Tschumi and Deconstructivism

‘Transgression is a fundamental concept, like the boundary between life and death. So it has always been there and always will be. What changes is its type or nature. For example, let’s take the concept of cross-programming or trans-programming, ie combining programmes that are usually kept separate....' (Tschumi 2013)

In this article the advances in technology are discussed and how they are an importance when relating to architecture.From research for my essay I feel this is the first movement since Brutalism that material and structure of the building are the main factor. For example, Joseph Paxtons Crystal Palace a building that represents the industrial character. Like Brutalism I found researching into the materials Joseph Paxton uses was interesting, exposing the structure leaving the building to look raw.

The outcome from reading this article I feel that this modern movement is about something that constantly develops adapting society rules. I also found this article relevant for parts of my essay as it relates to how ‘We now live in a world

of images.’ Capturing its boldness and progression into new technologies.Although the lecture was interesting I still found my self unsure how to express my opinion on deconstructivist architecture

Radical Post-Modernism and content: Charles Jencks and Rem Koolhaas debate the issue

Reading 13 (Week 27)

Radical Post Modernism and Postmodern architecture.

A debate that took place 28th December 2009 between Rem Koolhass and Charles Jencks in regards to Post modernism. Throughout this debate iconic architecture was referred to a lot, I didn't find this debate interesting and helpful towards future projects as I felt that the debate was maybe too political. And rather than challenging these ideas it should have been supported. Although I have a good interest in post modernism and the meaning of 'architecture' I felt the debate gave no insight into the modern movement as if it was almost kept quiet to the architects themselves.



The CCTV Building 2008. Steel construction that moved Charles Jencks, I personally feel that The CCTV Building was structured as more of an icon.

Pruitt-Igoe, now - Nora Wendl 2013

Reading 12 (Week 26)
Pruitt-Igoe, now - Nora Wendl 2013

The last demolition in 1977 - Pruitt Igoe.

I particularly think the 'Pruitt Igoe Now' group that invites people of all backgrounds is important in terms of an urban development, rather than covering up past architectural mistakes it turns them into something positive. The Pruitt Igoe Development, was of great interest of mine as I could relate it to Brutalism,
the subject I am researching for my essay. Like Brutalism the Pruitt Igoe Development created new housing communitys and again fell due to neglect and anti social behaviour. 

Abstract neo-plasticity and its architectural manifestation in the Luis Barragan house/studio of 1947

Reading 10 (Week 24)
Luis Barragan house/studio of 1947 

Luis Barragan was inspired by the work of Architects such as Gropius, Mies Van der Rohe and Le Corbusier. This article reviews Barragans architectural thought and explores aspects of the logic applied to his house. Barragan worked and lived within the house until he died, I personally feel his isolated life is shown within the architecture as the interior shuts its self off to exterior and surrounding buildings. The article reports the notion of tranquility alot, there is a chance that the isolation was his own interpretation on tranquility.

It was interesting to read about the colour combinations, and how it can change a space, as within Design studio its not something we experiment with a lot. The colour within Luis Barragan house/studio is significant, the colours that he uses relate to the abstract neoplasticism art movement. 'These rooms rely on natural light' a technique I already use within my work. The colours used in the house were yellow, purple, pink, red, and brown, along side with whites and greys, I was particularly inspired by the use of colour and section planes within his design and feel in my designs I will more detail into colour and the effects it can have.