Architecture Student's Perspective

04/10/2024

14/05/2024

Concrete wonderland

10/05/2024

It would take everything before we give up faith.

07/02/2023

Kevin Lynch, "The Image of the City".

City Form

Lynch is discussing the idea of creating a city that is visually coherent and clear, with a focus on the importance of creating forms that are expressive of the city's fundamental functions, such as circulation and key focal points. He argues that the form of the city should be plastic, adaptable to the purposes and perceptions of its citizens, and that it should be shaped like art to be visually pleasing and easy to understand. He also emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that is visibly organized and sharply identified, in order to make the city a "true place" that is remarkable and unmistakable.

Form Qualities

Lynch identified ten key form qualities that a designer may operate upon in order to create an imageable and coherent urban landscape. These qualities include
1. Singularity of Figure-Ground Clarity,

2. Form Simplicity,

3. Continuity,

4. Dominance,

5. Clarity of Joint,

6. Directional Differentiation,

7. Visual Scope,

8. Motion Awareness,

9. Time Series, and

10. Names and Meanings.

These form qualities can be used as a guide to improve the legibility, coherence, and identity of the urban environment, and to enhance the experience of the city for its inhabitants.

06/02/2023

The Image of the City. The City Image and its Elements

In his 1955 book "The Image of the City", Kevin Lynch, an American urban planner and designer, presents a pragmatic and perceptually-based approach to understanding urban form and its impact on citizens. He argues that cities have a "public image" that is the overlap of many individual images held by citizens, and that this image is necessary for individuals to operate successfully within their environment and cooperate with others. He also classifies the elements of the city image into five categories: paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks.

1. Paths: Lynch defines paths as the channels along which people move, including streets, walkways, transit lines, and canals. He argues that paths are the dominant element in many people's images of the city.

2. Edges: Edges are linear elements that are not used as paths and function as boundaries or breaks in continuity, such as shorelines, railroad cuts, and edges of development. They are lateral references, rather than coordinate axes, and can be barriers or seams between regions.

3. Districts: Districts are medium-to-large sections of the city that the observer enters mentally and that have a common and identifiable character. They can be used for interior and exterior reference and vary in importance depending on the individual and the city.

4. Nodes: Nodes are points, or strategic spots, in the city that the observer can enter, and are the foci of travel. They can be junctions, places of break in transportation, or simply concentrations of some physical or functional character.

5. Landmarks: Landmarks are the final elements Lynch discusses, they are the natural or man-made elements that can be seen from a distance and are used to orient oneself in the city. Landmarks can be powerful symbols, often have historical or cultural significance, and are often recognized by large numbers of people.

05/02/2023

Ronchamp: Le Corbusier’s Chapel and the Crisis of Rationalism.

James Stirling discusses the architectural work of Le Corbusier, specifically his chapel at Ronchamp and how it reflects on the crisis of Rationalism in architecture. The author, James Stirling, expresses that the building's appeal is mainly visual rather than intellectual and that Le Corbusier's use of regional building and "objets trouves" (found objects) in his architecture is lessening the need for invention.

He also touches on the idea that the fusion of art and technology in architecture, as advocated by the Bauhaus and Gropius, has not been fully successful and that the integration of technique and expression in architecture is still a challenge. He also mention that the European Architecture probably denotes a hesitant attitude towards technology, which itself has possibly been re****ed by our derisive attitude towards the myth of progress.

04/02/2023

From Garches to Jaoul: Le Corbuiser as Domestic Architect in 1927 and 1953.

This passage is a review written by James Stirling, a prominent 20th century architect, discussing the work of Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the modern era. Stirling compares two of Le Corbusier's buildings, Villa Garches and the houses for Mr. Jaoul, built in 1927 and 1953 respectively, to illustrate the evolution of Le Corbusier's architectural style.

Stirling praises Villa Garches as a "masterpiece of Neo-Palladianism in modern architecture" that exemplifies Le Corbusier's interpretation of the "machine aesthetic" and his application of the golden section. He contrasts it with the Jaoul houses, which he describes as "primitive in character" and "anti-mechanistic," and which he argues lack any reference to the rational principles that are the basis of the modern movement. He also notes that the Jaoul houses were built with traditional materials and techniques, and cost significantly less than Villa Garches.

Stirling suggests that the differences between the two buildings reflect a "philosophical change of attitude" on the part of Le Corbusier and that the Jaoul houses are "art for art's sake" rather than an expression of the principles of the modern movement. He also notes that while Villa Garches is a "monument" to the progress of the 20th century and anticipates a way of life that has not yet arrived, the Jaoul houses are more conventional and suitable for "any civilized family."

03/02/2023

Kengo Kuma is an internationally recognized architect who has made a significant impact on the field through his unique blend of tradition and innovation. Through his use of traditional materials and techniques in a contemporary context, Kuma has created a distinct architectural style that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture while also being relevant to the modern world.

One of the most striking aspects of Kuma's work is his use of natural materials, particularly wood. In many of his buildings, wood is used as both a structural and a decorative element, creating a sense of warmth and connection to nature. For example, in the Suntory Museum of Art in Osaka, Kuma used a system of interlocking wooden beams to create a delicate, lightweight structure that appears to float above the ground. The use of wood not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the building, but it also serves a functional purpose, as the material has a high level of thermal mass, which helps to regulate the temperature inside the museum.

In addition to his use of wood, Kuma is also known for his incorporation of traditional Japanese architectural elements into his designs. For example, in the V&A Dundee, Kuma used a series of stone walls to create a series of outdoor rooms that are inspired by the courtyards found in traditional Japanese houses. These outdoor rooms provide a sense of enclosure and privacy, while also allowing for views of the surrounding landscape.

Despite his focus on tradition, Kuma's work is not simply a revival of the past. Instead, he uses traditional materials and techniques in a way that is relevant to the present day. For example, in the Tokyo National Stadium, Kuma used a series of wooden arches to create a structure that is both visually stunning and highly functional. The arches not only support the roof of the stadium, but they also create a sense of movement and flow, making the building feel alive and dynamic.

In conclusion, Kengo Kuma is a talented architect who has made a significant contribution to the field through his innovative and culturally significant designs. Through his use of natural materials and traditional techniques, Kuma has created a unique architectural style that is both timeless and relevant to the modern world.

02/02/2023

Gustave Eiffel was a French engineer and architect who is best known for designing and building the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic structures in the world. However, Eiffel's contributions to the field of engineering and architecture go far beyond the Eiffel Tower. He was a pioneer in the use of iron and steel in construction and played a key role in the development of the modern skyscraper.

Eiffel was born in Dijon, France in 1832. He studied engineering at the École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures in Paris, where he graduated in 1855. After graduation, Eiffel worked as an engineer on a number of projects, including the construction of a viaduct over the Garonne River in Bordeaux and the design of a bridge over the Douro River in Portugal.

In 1887, Eiffel was selected to design and build the Eiffel Tower for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. The tower, which was intended to serve as the entrance to the fair, was to be the tallest structure in the world at the time. Eiffel's design for the tower, which was inspired by the arches of Roman aqueducts, consisted of four iron piers connected by a network of iron beams. The piers were anchored to the ground by means of a system of iron cables, and the entire structure was covered in a skin of iron sheets.

The construction of the Eiffel Tower was a major undertaking, and it required the use of the latest engineering techniques and technologies. Eiffel and his team used a system of pulleys and cranes to hoist the iron beams and piers into place, and they employed innovative methods to ensure the stability and safety of the tower. Despite the challenges, the Eiffel Tower was completed on schedule and was officially opened to the public on March 31, 1889.

The Eiffel Tower was an instant success, and it quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. It was visited by millions of people in the years following its opening, and it remains one of the most visited landmarks in Paris to this day. In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the Eiffel Tower is also an important engineering feat, as it was one of the first structures to be built entirely of iron and steel.

In addition to the Eiffel Tower, Eiffel also designed and built a number of other notable structures, including the Republic Monument in Bordeaux, the Martello Tower in Menton, and the Garabit Viaduct in the Massif Central. He also worked on the construction of the Panama Canal, where he oversaw the design and construction of a number of locks and other infrastructure projects.

Overall, Gustave Eiffel was a highly accomplished engineer and architect who made significant contributions to the fields of engineering and architecture. His work on the Eiffel Tower and other structures has had a lasting impact, and he continues to be remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of engineering and architecture.

01/02/2023

David Chipperfield is a British architect known for his modernist design approach and attention to materiality and context. He is the founder of David Chipperfield Architects, an international architecture firm with offices in London, Berlin, Milan, and Shanghai.

One of Chipperfield's notable projects is the reconstruction of the Neues Museum in Berlin, which was severely damaged during World War II. The project, completed in 2009, involved extensive restoration work as well as the addition of a new wing. Chipperfield's design for the museum sought to balance the restoration of the original 19th-century building with the incorporation of modern elements. The result is a museum that is both respectful of its history and forward-looking in its design.

Another notable project by Chipperfield is the renovation of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, which was completed in 2018. The project involved the restoration of the academy's Grade I listed building, as well as the construction of a new wing to provide additional exhibition space. Chipperfield's design for the project was praised for its sensitivity to the historical context of the building and its successful integration of modern elements.

In addition to his work on museums and cultural buildings, Chipperfield has also completed a number of residential and commercial projects. These include the VitraHaus in Germany, a factory and showroom for the furniture company Vitra, and the Angel Court office building in London.

Overall, Chipperfield is known for his careful consideration of context and materiality in his designs. He has a particular interest in using traditional building techniques and materials in a contemporary way, as demonstrated in projects such as the Neues Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

31/01/2023

Gio Ponti was an Italian architect, designer, and artist who played a significant role in the development of Italian modernism. He was born in 1891 in Milan, Italy and studied at the Politecnico di Milano, where he received his degree in architecture in 1921. Throughout his career, Ponti worked on a wide range of projects, including residential buildings, public buildings, and industrial design. In this essay, I will provide a critical analysis of Ponti's work and its impact on the field of architecture and design.

One of the defining characteristics of Ponti's work is his use of innovative materials and construction techniques. He was a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete, and his buildings often featured smooth, sleek surfaces and clean lines. This aesthetic was in contrast to the ornate, decorative style that was prevalent at the time, and it helped to establish Ponti as a leading figure in the modernist movement.

In addition to his work in architecture, Ponti was also a prolific designer and artist. He worked on a wide range of design projects, including furniture, ceramics, and glassware. His designs were characterized by their simplicity and functionality, and they had a strong influence on the Italian design scene of the time.

One of Ponti's most notable achievements was the design of the Pirelli Tower in Milan. Completed in 1958, the tower was the first skyscraper in Italy, and it remains one of the city's most iconic buildings. The tower's sleek, modernist design and use of innovative materials made it a symbol of Italy's post-war economic boom and a testament to Ponti's vision and talent as an architect.

Despite his many successes, Ponti was not without his critics. Some have argued that his buildings were cold and impersonal, and that his focus on functionality and aesthetics often came at the expense of the needs of the people who would use them. Others have argued that his work was too closely tied to the Italian economic and political establishment, and that he did not do enough to address social and environmental issues.

Despite these criticisms, there is no denying the impact that Gio Ponti had on the field of architecture and design. His innovative use of materials and construction techniques, as well as his dedication to functionality and aesthetics, helped to shape the modernist movement and set the stage for many of the design trends that have emerged in the decades since. His legacy continues to be felt in the work of architects and designers around the world.

30/01/2023

Frederick Kiesler (1890-1965) was an Austrian-born architect, designer, and theorist who made significant contributions to the fields of modern architecture and design. He is best known for his innovative designs for theaters, exhibitions, and other public spaces, which often incorporated new technologies and materials and sought to create immersive, experiential environments for their users.

Kiesler was born in 1890 in Vienna, Austria, and studied at the Technische Hochschule in Vienna before enrolling at the Academy of Fine Arts in the city. He began his professional career as an architect and designer in the 1920s, working on a variety of projects in Austria and Europe. In 1926, he moved to New York City, where he quickly gained recognition for his innovative designs for theaters, exhibitions, and other public spaces.

One of Kiesler's most famous projects was the Universal Theater, a futuristic theater design that he proposed in the late 1920s. The theater was designed to be fully immersive, with a continuous, undulating floor and ceiling that allowed for the creation of a variety of different stage configurations. Kiesler believed that this design would allow for greater flexibility and creativity in stage design, and would allow for a more intimate and interactive relationship between performers and audience members.

Kiesler also made significant contributions to the field of exhibition design, with his work on the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in New York City being particularly noteworthy. Here, he designed a series of interconnected galleries that were meant to be experienced as a single, cohesive whole, with each gallery flowing seamlessly into the next. The design was intended to create a sense of movement and progression, and to encourage visitors to explore and engage with the art on display.

In addition to his work as an architect and designer, Kiesler was also a theorist and writer, and he published several books on architecture and design throughout his career. His ideas about the role of architecture and design in shaping human experience had a significant influence on the development of modern design theory, and his work continues to be studied and admired by architects and designers today.

Overall, Frederick Kiesler was a pioneering figure in the fields of modern architecture and design, and his innovative designs and ideas continue to inspire and influence practitioners in these fields today.