Sunday, 26 April 2015

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.

Centurions - Dejan Sudji 2010

Reading 9 (Week 19)
Frank Lloyd Wright: Falling on Water. Dejan Sudji assesses the work and philosophy of the great American architect, with particular emphasis on Falling water.


Falling Water. 1934 - Pennsylvania.

Frank Lloyd Wright an 19th century indvidual figure one of the very early modernist, he breaks away from notion of looking from the past , borrowing from history. 


His architecture blends into the context, reflecting the land on which they are built, long low flat buildings that blended in with the ground. BBC radio extra 4 talks about how Frank Lloyd wasn't just famous for his organic Architecture but became known for designing every aspect of home from furniture to glass, cutlery, plates etc.

I particularly agree how the audio describes Frank Lloyd Wrights work being an 'essence of spiral approach.' The idea of nature but it moved into a broader sense with aspects of abstract nature democracy involved. Always relating to how he talked about his work in abstract linking it with nature.


The audio talks in detail about the Falling Water (above), designed mid 1930s. An extraordinary building which Frank Lloyd Wright is known for which sits on side of a hill, the first thing you notice is the waterfall that the building sits on. They talk about the contrast when you enter space in a dark space to slowly bringing the outside in to then moving from the inside out. A famous symbol of 20th Century 'Modern Architecture could change your life.'


Frank Lloyd Wright had very personal ideas, I personally particularly am influenced by his interests with the shape of the city and the buildings context. 





 


Garden cities of to-morrow - Ebenezer Howard, Frederic James Osborn 2007 pp 151-159

Reading 6 (Week 16)
Chapter Thirteen - The future of London 

Discussing the population within London. The rents paid within London by the working population, for accommodation most miserable and insufficient, represents each year a larger and larger proportion of income, while the cost of moving to and from work, continually increasing, often represents in time and money a very considerable tax.

The majority of this reading talks about the idea of convincing people to leave the city and lying to them about the current housing condition.

I particularly found this reading very difficult to read and understand and felt there wasn't any structure. However after the lecture I feel I have a greater understanding of the separation of cites. 

Nurturing Dreams: collected essays on architecture and the city - Fumihiko Maki, Mark Mulligan, ebrary, Inc c2008

Reading 7 (Week 17)
The Le Corbrusier Syndrome: On the development of modern architecture in Japan.

The sustained interest in Le Corbrusier, ever since he emerged as a hero of the architectural world early in the twentieth century, it is evident in the words and deeds of Japanese architects as well as critics of many different generations. He became the focus of attention of many architects.


This reading discuses opinions and influences of Le corbrusiers work, as well as foreign architecture being introduced into Japan in modern times. An example of architecture that symbolised progress and authority below - Western Style.



Left: The National Diet Building - Japans Parliament

Le Corbusier as a leader was of enormous importance in setting the direction for the development of modern architecture in Japan. His urbanism also had an influence on Japan from the 1950s onwards. His imaginary ideas for cities made a particular interest in Japan.


'Twentieth century happened to be an era for developing new forms of space. Cities and architecture are nothing but forms that endow space with order.'


I felt the opinions made within the reading were clear, however I felt it lacked rhythm and was quite repetitive. Almost as if when writing this essay comments were added as he thought of them as well as contradictions made.


At Ohio State University, Mack Scogin Merrill Elam's new KNOWLTON HALL brings the design process to the larger academic community

Reading 20 (Week 34)
At Ohio State University, Mack scorn Merill Elams new KNOWLTON HALL brings the design process to the larger academic community.



The article discusses the university that brings together their three disciplines of architecture: Landscape architecture, architecture, city and regional planning. I understood Timothy Hursleys views on architecture were once completing the article. With the success of this buildings in terms of the design, layout materials and aesthetics it is an inspiration for my future designs. 

Architecture is a profession that is becoming more diverse today. An outcome of reading and lecture i feel i have learn a lot more about the design process and the completely different effects material can have on a space. Although the lecture covered a lot of architects and their designs i found the lecture just as interesting as the reading.

Félix Candela. In memorian (1910-1997). From thin concrete shells to the 21st century’s lightweight structures

Reading 17 (Week 31)
Modern form makers and Felix Candela

Felix Candela, a spanish architect during the modern movement (1910-1997). Before this reading I hadn't seen or heard any of his work. The different movements in concrete architecture were talked about within this reading, as I have already done a lot of research on concrete structures it was interesting to read and see other examples of delicately constructed concrete pieces that organically flowed. Felix Candela had spent 20 years of his life dedicated to the concrete structures which today is looked upon as raw, rough and ugly.

The lightweight structures he had designed demonstrate this strong understanding he has of architectural construction methods. Candela pushed the notions and advances of technology within the modern movement and some of the structures were celebrated due to the lightweight structure. 

I found this reading interesting to be after researching into Brutalism and the heavy large structures, i feel i will take Candelas design approach to my recent projects. As well as finding an interest other than Gaudi in Spanish architecture.

The Brits who built the modern world

Reading 15 (Week 29)
'The Brits who built the Modern world'.


The architects discussed in this part 2 documentary worked at a time where modern architecture was under attack, 1980s. People believed that Norman Foster, Nicholas Grimshaw, Terry Farrel, Micheal Hopkins and Richard Rogers should return to more historical styles. All of the architects listed were rivals within the architectural development, but today are arguably the most successful generation of architects. 

Terry Farrel had said that he didn't want to return to this historical style however he didn't want modern. He wanted a style that would have aspects from both which created post modernism. I believe that there works are influential and significant, partly because of such aspirations which have changed the way view architecture.  

'Postmodernism was a response to dreary, dull, mechanical modern architecture.'

I found the documentary on BBC Four was more interest to me than the lecture as I was able to watch it more than once and learn a lot more about the significant architects in the 1970s and 1980s who helped to design the world of architecture. However the lecture touched up on different aspects of the topic which was interesting. Designs we create should be influenced by the historical style otherwise like the documentary discussed designs wouldn't have any meaning.

Modernity, space and national representation at the Tokyo Olympics 1964 - Christian Tagsold 2010

Reading 11 (Week 25)
Modernity, space and national representation at the Tokyo Olympic 1964


In order to make up for Japans reputation in World War 1 this brought the Tokyo Olympic Games, to try and improve their reputation. This article discusses how the olympics can improve a city which, which I completely agree with, as billions of pounds will be spent in order to achieve a sense of modernity.

I feel the abstract forms show the architectural style that was developed post war Japan. Within the article it states that the complex context would only be understood by people within Japan. Making the context of great importance as it creates a symbol for Japan. I found the lecture difficult to follow and didn't give me any further knowledge of the Tokyo Olympic therefore I'm glad I did the reading before attending the lecture.

Peter Smithson: Conversations with students: A space for our generation

Reading 8 (Week 18)
A result of several cooperations with Petter Smithson - Discussing work and writings of Alison and Peter Smithson during the fall of 2001.


Conversation 1
It was interesting to read about Peter Smithsons, a British architect and his influences throughout his and Alison Smithsons partnership. (left: Photograph of the hand-drawn perspective - Hunstanton School)

Conversation 1 isn't a possible precedent for my future designs, however  it has inspired me to want to see more of the world and historical architecture as like Peter Smithson i feel without seeing the architecture for my self I wouldn't become 'engaged with art history.'


Conversation 3

This conversation between the students and Peter Smithsons had more an influence on me throughout the reading. Inspiring me to think about techniques he talks about, for example the feeling of emptiness. ' Can we get the quality out of almost nothing? The quality of empitness.' In future designs I will be experimenting with the shock of nothing rather than a shock of something exciting, researching into the feeling/atmosphere this may give. I like how Peter puts the concept of emptiness in a hypothesis because in a way it opens space for our generation to explore ideas. 

The conversation talks about the movement within his work and how he believes its by chance, 'two lines come together and remind you of something.' He quotes how architects don't become 'themselves until the beginning of their forties' relating to how people look at precedents for inspiration. This influences me to experiment myself with the given brief before looking at precedents, through sketching.