Task 1. Backbriefs
Etest brief :- 25% of Architecture in Context 1, Multiple choice.
Etest will assess me on 3 main areas;
Submission Week 35: Week commencing 24/03/2014
Feedback Week 35: Week commencing 24/03/2014
Final e-test will take place in Maudslay CCT1 in a controlled environment. You can use your own notes which you have taken during lectures and seminars.
Will also assess ;-
The Essay's brief :- 50% of Architecture in Context 1, Patchwork technique, 500 words, 5 powerpoint slides.
Patchwork Text - small sections of work which are combined in a reflexive commentary.
A patchwork text assignment is assembled gradually over the course of a module.
Patchwork 1 Deadline: Week 15: 5/11/13 in dropbox (5/11/13 at 8:45am in NOW and a hard copy in seminar)
Patchwork 2 Deadline: Week 18: 25/11/13 in dropbox (26/11/13 at 8:45am in NOW and a hard copy in seminar)
Patchwork 3 Deadline: Week 25: 14/01/14 in dropbox (14/01/14 at 8:45am in NOW and a hard copy in seminar)
Aims :-
Research Question : " The relationship between the object and the intervening spaces is not formal: it is always rooted in the context of a particular setting". Dalibor Vesely (in Brooker and Stone, 2007, p.57).
Patchwork 1 + 2 - PW1 = 0%, PW2 = 10%
How the essay should be set out :-
Patchwork 3 - 1500 words, 40%
Referencing
Should use the Harvard referencing system to reference books, journals, blogs or websites etc.. Failure to do so could result in an Academic Misconduct hearing.
Learning Outcomes
Assessment brief - 25%, Research blog
How will it assess me?
Deadline
Have to submit your blog address onto Now no later than Week 12: on Friday the 18th of October at 8:45am.
The final deadline of the submission is on the 16th of May 2014 at 8:45am, in the dropbox in NOW. You will receive feedback within 21 days of submission.
There is a total of 14 tasks that you will need to complete before the 16th May 2014 Final Deadline.
When referencing websites on your blog you must record not only the http: address but also the date which you last accessed that site.
You will be required to submit the link to your research blog following each design studio review.
Failure to submit one or more of the listed sections of coursework in any of the coursework (patchwork essay or blog) will be considered an incomplete submission and thus the whole project will be capped at 40%
Etest brief :- 25% of Architecture in Context 1, Multiple choice.
Etest will assess me on 3 main areas;
- Content explained in lectures
- Image identification
- Research blog
Submission Week 35: Week commencing 24/03/2014
Feedback Week 35: Week commencing 24/03/2014
Final e-test will take place in Maudslay CCT1 in a controlled environment. You can use your own notes which you have taken during lectures and seminars.
Will also assess ;-
- Ability to identify and evaluate through discussions and formal critiques.
- Ability to perceive the relationship between historic and contemporary architectural contexts.
The Essay's brief :- 50% of Architecture in Context 1, Patchwork technique, 500 words, 5 powerpoint slides.
Patchwork Text - small sections of work which are combined in a reflexive commentary.
A patchwork text assignment is assembled gradually over the course of a module.
- Have to submit 3 different patchworks throughout the year.
Patchwork 1 Deadline: Week 15: 5/11/13 in dropbox (5/11/13 at 8:45am in NOW and a hard copy in seminar)
Patchwork 2 Deadline: Week 18: 25/11/13 in dropbox (26/11/13 at 8:45am in NOW and a hard copy in seminar)
Patchwork 3 Deadline: Week 25: 14/01/14 in dropbox (14/01/14 at 8:45am in NOW and a hard copy in seminar)
- Comparison of two buildings which I researched in the light of critical thinking and analysis.
Aims :-
- To provide an opportunity to enhance my knowledge on two periods (historical and contemporary).
- To improve research and academic writing skills.
- To expand my awareness of history and theory of architecture.
- To motivate my critical and reflective thinking through the analysis of the built environment from an informed point of view.
Research Question : " The relationship between the object and the intervening spaces is not formal: it is always rooted in the context of a particular setting". Dalibor Vesely (in Brooker and Stone, 2007, p.57).
Patchwork 1 + 2 - PW1 = 0%, PW2 = 10%
How the essay should be set out :-
- Introduction
- General notes on the style of the pre-existent building
- Analysis of the building based on its style and particular context
- Conclusion
Patchwork 3 - 1500 words, 40%
- Introduction
- Comparison between styles and contexts, this should be based on the research conducted for PW 1 + 2.
- PW 1 + 2 can be further improved.
- Reflective comment about the research question and informed personal opinion
- Conclusion
Referencing
Should use the Harvard referencing system to reference books, journals, blogs or websites etc.. Failure to do so could result in an Academic Misconduct hearing.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and evaluate, through discussion and formal critique, the social, historical and cultural contexts of architecture, cities and landscapes.
- Evaluate information and use it to plan and develop investigation strategies and responses.
- Use a referencing system related to academic writing properly in order to avoid plaigarism.
Assessment brief - 25%, Research blog
How will it assess me?
- Assess my ability to identify and evaluate, through discussion and formal critique.
- Evaluate information.
- Use visual, verbal and written communication to engage.
- Enable me to develop my critical thinking about architectural ideas.
Deadline
Have to submit your blog address onto Now no later than Week 12: on Friday the 18th of October at 8:45am.
The final deadline of the submission is on the 16th of May 2014 at 8:45am, in the dropbox in NOW. You will receive feedback within 21 days of submission.
There is a total of 14 tasks that you will need to complete before the 16th May 2014 Final Deadline.
When referencing websites on your blog you must record not only the http: address but also the date which you last accessed that site.
You will be required to submit the link to your research blog following each design studio review.
Failure to submit one or more of the listed sections of coursework in any of the coursework (patchwork essay or blog) will be considered an incomplete submission and thus the whole project will be capped at 40%
The first site which we went to visit was the tunnel at tunnel road. At this site I recorded my experiences. Before even reaching the tunnel I had an experience of actually finding it. It is hidden away along a street and leads out into a garage and car park. Whilst in the tunnel I felt lots of emotions, firstly when walking down the steep steps. I fount it very uneasy walking down the steps, which was hindered further due to the steps being slippery on a wet day. When i finally went down into the tunnel I closed my eyes and tried to use my other senses to record my emotions. I could hear footsteps and echoes almost like mimicry and the sounds were bouncing off the walls. Furthermore there was a nice breeze which passed through the tunnel. Also by looking at the walls of the tunnel they felt very chalky and flaky due to the weather and airflow eroding the tunnel which in time will make the tunnel wider, the feel of the walls made me think of ancient ruins. The darkness in the tunnel also played a part in the atmosphere, I can imagine at night it may be a fairly eerie place to be.
Tunnel Road
I created a model based on my experience at Tunnel Road and used clay to represent my interpretations of how I perceived the site. I first started out with a cardboard base which the clay could rest onto and give a rigid structure on which to mould onto. After I had covered my cardboard model in clay I could then begin to add light into the space and photograph how light passed through the small opening at the back of the tunnel. This created some interesting photographs. Through this model and photographs I tried to emphasise the darkness and small darts of light which I saw when I was in the tunnel and these photographs reflect the feelings which I felt.
Next I went to visit St. Barnabas church which took me by surprise as it is surrounded by busy roads etc. I usually associate churches with being fairly sicluded and peaceful and quite, being near the busy roads may produce a lot of noise which may take away the peacefulness associated with going to church where some people go to get silence and for religion. Looking on the outside of the church I could see the Gothic Architecture theming in its construction, the stain glass windows for example. Whilst I was walking around the grounds I grew frustrated as the busy road was very loud and for me took the experience associated with being at a church.
When i ventured into the church itself I saw further evidence of Gothic Architecture. Also I could see the foundations which were holding up the roof of the church which I fount interesting. The smell in the church was pleasant as there were many candles lit and the smell of wax was throughout the church. The use of light in the church really brightened the inside of the church. I sat down on one of the benches and closed my eyes, even though the church was located on a busy street it was silent, the silence along with the smell of wax made the experience very relaxing and made a perfect place to reflect on the day.
St. Barnabas
My experience at the Magistrate's Court was fairly limited as I wasn't allowed into the building itself. I thought it was strange that the entrance itself could only be accessed via walking along the canal. A formal place like a Magistrate's Court i thought it would have had a large car park in a very formal and strict manner. From looking at the building outside I could see how the glass panels have been used to insert light into the building which to me represents that how you cannot hide from anything in the Magistrate's Court and everyone is looking at you and everything is very open. Also from the outside I could vaguely see into the building and it all seems very symmetrical which highlights the functional aspect of the building itself.
Magistrate's Court
My last stop was at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. I fount this building very interesting firstly because it is the oldest inn in England. Also from looking at the building from outside it just seems like a fairly old pub with no real value or history. However when i entered the building I was first greeted by a man playing a game where he had to throw a small metal ring onto a horn on the wall, it made the experience very warmly and made me appreciate how old this building is and the games that were being played in the inn represented its age. Looking into the inn further I could see how the foundations of the building are woven into caves where people have scrawled in their names. The building itself is almost like a museum as there are many timeless pieces just hanging around the seating area and the bar which again allows you to appreciate how old the building is.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Task 2. Project 1: Understanding Phenomenology
Martin Heidegger describes phenomenology as 'the science of phenomena'. I interpret phenomenology as a process of presenting an account of the way in which objects, forms, shapes and spaces can appear in the atmosphere. Furthermore it is closely related with phenomena which is anything which can relate itself which consciousness and the idea of being able to perceive something. Phenomena tries to envisage things directly as they appear. Phenomenology studies essences, mainly the essence of perception which in relation to architecture I feel shows how people view buildings and how we all have different experiences and opinions of the same archetype. For example, visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin will be much more emotional to someone with a Jewish background. I think phenomenology means the ability to perceive something as a phenomena and how people in terms of architectural buildings can relate to them in different ways.
Phenomenology as an architectural style I think is seen as very postmodern. I chose to use the Holocaust Memorial as a representative example as it is very simplistic but however provides a very strong message which people can perceive differently. If a Jewish person was to visit this memorial they would feel a lot differently to someone who wasn't that religion. From other pictures, I have seen that some people use these plinths to walk over and use as stepping stones. I think that someone of the Jewish religion would see this as very disrespectful where as other non-religious people may see this as a way to engage with the architecture which in turn just shows how many people perceive and interact with objects, forms, shapes and spaces.
Phenomenological Concepts in Architecture - Beata Sirowy
Martin Heidegger describes phenomenology as 'the science of phenomena'. I interpret phenomenology as a process of presenting an account of the way in which objects, forms, shapes and spaces can appear in the atmosphere. Furthermore it is closely related with phenomena which is anything which can relate itself which consciousness and the idea of being able to perceive something. Phenomena tries to envisage things directly as they appear. Phenomenology studies essences, mainly the essence of perception which in relation to architecture I feel shows how people view buildings and how we all have different experiences and opinions of the same archetype. For example, visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin will be much more emotional to someone with a Jewish background. I think phenomenology means the ability to perceive something as a phenomena and how people in terms of architectural buildings can relate to them in different ways.
Phenomenology as an architectural style I think is seen as very postmodern. I chose to use the Holocaust Memorial as a representative example as it is very simplistic but however provides a very strong message which people can perceive differently. If a Jewish person was to visit this memorial they would feel a lot differently to someone who wasn't that religion. From other pictures, I have seen that some people use these plinths to walk over and use as stepping stones. I think that someone of the Jewish religion would see this as very disrespectful where as other non-religious people may see this as a way to engage with the architecture which in turn just shows how many people perceive and interact with objects, forms, shapes and spaces.
Phenomenological Concepts in Architecture - Beata Sirowy
http://www.artofhdr.com/2011/02/13/berlin-memorial/
Juhani Pallasmaa's Quote: "Greek Architecture, with its elaborate systems of optical corrections, was already ultimately refined for the pleasure of the eye."
What i think Pallasmaa's is trying to convey is the idea that what we see as the spectator of Greek Architecture has already been refined and thought through so that we do not see any difference and we assume that no alterations have been made and the building is naturally viewed that way. For example;
What i think Pallasmaa's is trying to convey is the idea that what we see as the spectator of Greek Architecture has already been refined and thought through so that we do not see any difference and we assume that no alterations have been made and the building is naturally viewed that way. For example;
These sketches are a representation of The Parthenon, a classic greek architectural building. In the left hand image we can see the temple as it visually appears with correction. In the middle picture we can see how The Parthenon would have appeared without correction, we can see how the columns look as if they are sliding inwards and the shape looks warped. Finally, in the right image we can see the temple as it is actually built with the corrections made. I think that this links in with Pallasmaa's quote as he is saying that what we see, we interpret as normal and assume it is that way but by using The Parthenon as an example we can see how actually the building was already ultimately refined for the pleasure of our eyes.
To me this quote means that sometimes the spectators of architecture may act oblivious to the way in which a building is built, and are only interested in the aesthetics of the building and become ignorant to the function and understanding of how the buildings were altered, and made that way to define how they as the viewer experience the building.
Leon Battista Alberti's Quote: "In the process of construction all the right materials are used in the right places".
What I think Alberti is trying to convey through this quote is the relationship between 'materiality' and 'immateriality'. A perfect example of this connection between materiality and immateriality is the 'Blur building', 2002 Swiss Expo. The Blur building is primarily made out of water which is shot from a high pressured nozzle which creates a fine mist which creates a fog in which visual and acoustic senses are removed, creating a feeling of 'white noise'. This building interweaves natural and man made forces. The frame allows spectators to interact with the white mist, creating the illusion of a depthless mass. To me this quote means that architects and designers must respect the relationship between materiality and immateriality. If materials are used subject to the atmosphere and existing things around a new building then truly unique and interesting archetypes can be created.
To me this quote means that sometimes the spectators of architecture may act oblivious to the way in which a building is built, and are only interested in the aesthetics of the building and become ignorant to the function and understanding of how the buildings were altered, and made that way to define how they as the viewer experience the building.
Leon Battista Alberti's Quote: "In the process of construction all the right materials are used in the right places".
What I think Alberti is trying to convey through this quote is the relationship between 'materiality' and 'immateriality'. A perfect example of this connection between materiality and immateriality is the 'Blur building', 2002 Swiss Expo. The Blur building is primarily made out of water which is shot from a high pressured nozzle which creates a fine mist which creates a fog in which visual and acoustic senses are removed, creating a feeling of 'white noise'. This building interweaves natural and man made forces. The frame allows spectators to interact with the white mist, creating the illusion of a depthless mass. To me this quote means that architects and designers must respect the relationship between materiality and immateriality. If materials are used subject to the atmosphere and existing things around a new building then truly unique and interesting archetypes can be created.
http://en.urbarama.com/project/blur-building
Research for Patchwork 1
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church
Research for Patchwork 2
Nottingham Contemporary
Task 3. Project 2: Ergonomics
Classical Greek Architecture
The Parthenon
Classical Greek Architecture
The Parthenon
http://gl.ict.usc.edu/Films/Parthenon/
http://puffin.creighton.edu/eselk/intro-phil_on-line-course/Intro-phl-ol_Plato_Apology-Crito/Parthenon-history-sculpture_pg3.htm
http://puffin.creighton.edu/eselk/intro-phil_on-line-course/Intro-phl-ol_Plato_Apology-Crito/Parthenon-history-sculpture_pg3.htm
The Parthenon was dedicated to the Goddess Athena. It is also said to be the most significant construction of Classical Greek Architecture.
The Parthenon has been used for many different activities throughout the centuries, for example;
5th Century - Church
15th Century - Mosque
17th Century - Gun-powder store
19th Century - British Museum
Suoto, A. The Origins of Classical Language: Greece, October 2013
The Parthenon has been used for many different activities throughout the centuries, for example;
5th Century - Church
15th Century - Mosque
17th Century - Gun-powder store
19th Century - British Museum
Suoto, A. The Origins of Classical Language: Greece, October 2013
The Temple of Hephaestus
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Greece/Attica/Attiki/Athens/photo770143.htm
The Erechtheion
http://www.historvius.com/the-erechtheion-1131/
Further examples of Classic Greek Architecture include 'The Temple of Hephaestus" and "The Erechtheion". Firstly just by observing the building you can begin to see the difference in scale to any of the Classical Romanesque buildings. This is because the people of Ancient Greece constructed these temples and dedicated them to the gods. In there eyes this would have been the scale of the gods.
Classical Roman Architecture
Venezia Ospedale
Venezia Ospedale
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Venezia_-_Ospedale_-_Foto_G._Dall'Orto,_2_lug_2006_-_03.jpg
The Venezia Ospedale is an ideal example of Classical Romanesque Architecture. In terms of scale you can see how it differs significantly to that of The Parthenon. This is because The Venezia Ospedale was designed from the anthropometrics of a human and not a "god". This means that the building was constructed ergonomically to the human form which is why the scales are not out of proportion to that of the Classical Greek Architecture.
Contemporary Greece and Rome
Acropolis Museum: Greece
Acropolis Museum: Greece
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8110091.stm
Looking now at the more Contemporary style architecture of Greece shows the new Acropolis Museum. This museum was dedicated to the Acropolis which housed many temples including that of The Parthenon. Inside the museum contains old fragments of the building as well as the friezes. From looking at the museum you can begin to see some similarities between it and that of The Parthenon, such as the use of columns and the long slabs which separate each floor which to me mimics that of The Parthenon.
Pacis Museum: Rome
http://mimoa.eu/projects/Italy/Rome/Ara%20Pacis%20Museum
http://www.slowmuse.com/2008/06/05/ara-pacis-richard-meier-and-minding-the-gap/
http://www.slowmuse.com/2008/06/05/ara-pacis-richard-meier-and-minding-the-gap/
The Pacis Museum is a key example of the progression of Contemporary Roman architectural style. The Pacis Museum was designed to contain the Ara Pacis Augustae which was a sacrificial alter. The Paci Museum was planned to protect Rome's cultural legacy, as well as the Classical Romanesque architecture of the sacrificial alter. The museum consisted of materials such as glass, concrete and an indigenous fine beige Roman travertine. The use of Roman travertine mimics Classical Romanesque architecture. The main feature of the museum is the glass curtain wall which to me links the new contemporary part of Roman architecture with the beige Roman travertine by contrasting the old and new materials.
Meier, R. (2011). Ara Pacis Museum / Richard Meier & Partners Architects. Available: http://www.archdaily.com/104187/. Last accessed 9th Nov 2013.
Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier's Modulor
http://mfareview.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/morphogenetic-metaphors-in-architecture-the-quixotic-contributions-of-conrad-waddington/
Le Corbusier created 'The Modular Man". The modular man is a drawing of the human figure, sometimes with their hand risen above their head. This shows the exact measurements of a 6ft human. Le Corbusier used the idea of the modular man to construct his ideas to create his buildings.
Villa Savoye
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/Corbu.html
An example of Le Corbusier's work is the Villa Savoye. The Villa Savoye has been described as the perfect example of a 'machine for living', through its beauty and functionality. The building itself is raised onto stilts or 'pilotis' which separate the building from the ground and also utilise the land effectively. These stilt-like columns suggest a Modernised Classicism which links in with the early Greek and Roman Classicism adapting the ideas of columns in new innovative, modern techniques.
.. (.). LeCorbusier -- Villa Savoye. Available: http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/Corbu.html. Last accessed 9th Nov 2013.
Furniture Design
Charles Eames
Charles Eames
http://www.swiveluk.com/uk/charles-eames-dar-chair-upholstered.html
http://www.tmarchman.com/what-is-an-eames-chair/
http://www.tmarchman.com/what-is-an-eames-chair/
Charles Eames worked closely with Eero Saarinen, together they designed award winning furniture for the "Organic Design in Home Furnishings". Their work differed from other furniture at that time as they implemented a new technique of wood moulding. Looking at Charles Eames' work ergonomically you can see how he has taken into account the anthropometrics of the human proportion to construct his chairs, he would also have to considered how humans can sit in these chairs and if it is comfortable for certain periods of time.
Alvero Siza
http://www.bonluxat.com/a/Alvaro_Siza_Poeta_Writing_Desk.html
http://www.icollector.com/Alvaro-Siza-Comoda-dresser-DDI-Portugal-c-1_i6890623
http://www.icollector.com/Alvaro-Siza-Comoda-dresser-DDI-Portugal-c-1_i6890623
Zaha Hadid
http://www.zaha-hadid.com/design/z-scape-furniture/
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/furniture/zephyr_sofa.htm
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/furniture/zephyr_sofa.htm
In my opinion Zaha Hadid completely transforms the conventional use of interacting with furniture. For example the Belu Bench completely disregards the natural way of sitting on a chair. This chair has multi-functional uses such as a table, chair, container, a surface to touch, to rest on and to lean against. The Belu chair denies to be categorised as easy or convenient and explores a completely different world of using furniture.
http://www.zaha-hadid.com/design/belu-bench/
Park Tunnel Ergonomics
How does ergonomics work in the park tunnel?
In the park tunnel, many ergonomics would need to have been taken into consideration, for example they would have to take an average reading of the height which people can walk up steps, as if the steps are too high some people may trip, also if the steps are spaced too far apart.
Also, because the park tunnel is used as a short-cut walkway through the park it can get fairly congested so the width of the tunnel would have been taken into consideration to make the congestion flow faster and allow more people through.
What kind of furniture would you design for such a space?
Inside the park tunnel, I would design either a long bench of seats to reduce the area in which the seats take up as the width of the tunnel is already fairly narrow. Also I think carving the chairs into the already existent tunnel would create an interesting feature and people walking through the tunnel could interact with the tunnel and observe the materials of what the tunnel is made of.
In the park tunnel, many ergonomics would need to have been taken into consideration, for example they would have to take an average reading of the height which people can walk up steps, as if the steps are too high some people may trip, also if the steps are spaced too far apart.
Also, because the park tunnel is used as a short-cut walkway through the park it can get fairly congested so the width of the tunnel would have been taken into consideration to make the congestion flow faster and allow more people through.
What kind of furniture would you design for such a space?
Inside the park tunnel, I would design either a long bench of seats to reduce the area in which the seats take up as the width of the tunnel is already fairly narrow. Also I think carving the chairs into the already existent tunnel would create an interesting feature and people walking through the tunnel could interact with the tunnel and observe the materials of what the tunnel is made of.
Task 4. Academic Writing and Plagiarism
1. Is critical thinking about being critical in the usual sense of being negative, or is it about "thoughtful thinking"? Please explain.
Critical thinking is not the usual sense of being negative, it is more about "thoughtful thinking". Being a critical thinker allows you to step back from your project and analyse if there is a better or different way to achieve that goal. Critical thinking allows you to broaden your mind and understand a greater variety of possibilities that could effect your design proposal. To establish critical thinking will allow you to improve your ideas and you can begin to understand why a certain method will not work in an architectural sense of the word.
2. After reading Jennifer Moon's chapter, do you think you knew what critical thinking was? Do you think you could use critical thinking as a learning tool?
I think I already had a slight understanding of what critical thinking was, from reading Jennifer Moon's chapter I have learnt how critical thinking can be perceived and understood by others. I think I could use critical thinking as a learning tool especially in my design studio projects. By using critical thinking as a tool it will allow me to understand a broader use of materiality.
3. Write a short report on plagiarism based of the following literal quote: "Plagiarism is intellectual theft" (Breach, 2009, 124). Please finish your report by including your own experience regarding plagiarism as a reference system. Were you aware of the relevance of acknowledging sources?
I completely agree with this statement made by Breach. Plagiarism defeats the object of learning about a certain subject. By plagiarising someone's work they are stealing the research and time that that person has used to come up with their conclusion. The reason why a certain task has been set is so that you yourself can find out about that task and come to your own conclusion, by plagiarising someones work you are using their conclusion which might not necessarily be the same way you feel about that task or a certain piece of work.
In my own experience I have fell to plagiarism quite recently. During my Patchwork 2 essay my referencing links weren't correct and I didn't use the Harvard Reference Generator, which meant my references were not clear and my work then began subject to plagiarism.
1. Is critical thinking about being critical in the usual sense of being negative, or is it about "thoughtful thinking"? Please explain.
Critical thinking is not the usual sense of being negative, it is more about "thoughtful thinking". Being a critical thinker allows you to step back from your project and analyse if there is a better or different way to achieve that goal. Critical thinking allows you to broaden your mind and understand a greater variety of possibilities that could effect your design proposal. To establish critical thinking will allow you to improve your ideas and you can begin to understand why a certain method will not work in an architectural sense of the word.
2. After reading Jennifer Moon's chapter, do you think you knew what critical thinking was? Do you think you could use critical thinking as a learning tool?
I think I already had a slight understanding of what critical thinking was, from reading Jennifer Moon's chapter I have learnt how critical thinking can be perceived and understood by others. I think I could use critical thinking as a learning tool especially in my design studio projects. By using critical thinking as a tool it will allow me to understand a broader use of materiality.
3. Write a short report on plagiarism based of the following literal quote: "Plagiarism is intellectual theft" (Breach, 2009, 124). Please finish your report by including your own experience regarding plagiarism as a reference system. Were you aware of the relevance of acknowledging sources?
I completely agree with this statement made by Breach. Plagiarism defeats the object of learning about a certain subject. By plagiarising someone's work they are stealing the research and time that that person has used to come up with their conclusion. The reason why a certain task has been set is so that you yourself can find out about that task and come to your own conclusion, by plagiarising someones work you are using their conclusion which might not necessarily be the same way you feel about that task or a certain piece of work.
In my own experience I have fell to plagiarism quite recently. During my Patchwork 2 essay my referencing links weren't correct and I didn't use the Harvard Reference Generator, which meant my references were not clear and my work then began subject to plagiarism.
Task 5. Failed Architecture
São Paulo’s Bridge That Widens Distances
São Paulo’s Bridge That Widens Distances
- The Sao Paulo Bridge is considered by architects as a failure due to its ugliness and inability to operate on an urban scale.
- However the bridge did succeed in its main purpose which was to create a global city image for Sao Paulo while covering the city's severe contradictions and conflicts. On the other hand, you can argue that is the bridge portraying a particularly good image for the city due to its ugliness?
- It is not an urban bridge, meaning it does not allow the flow of pedestrians, bicycles and public transport.
- It provides articulations on a large scale which in this case only provides for individual transportation which undermines local accessibility.
- Many people have questioned whether we should be investing in such a large amount of the governments budget of 113 million dollars, when the city is already congested by its excessive number of cars.
- Also because the bridge does not even connect the neighbourhoods on opposite riverbanks or allow people to cross it by foot, bicycle or public transport, is it really helping Sao Paulo's residences?
- Some people may argue that the government budget should have been invested in providing infrastructure, social housing and public spaces.
- Six times more money was spent on the Sao Paulo bridge than the complex with 252 social housing units and public facilities.
http://failedarchitecture.com/2013/10/sao-paulos-bridge-that-widens-distances/
Possible solutions to these problems:
- Allow the access of public transport, bicycles and pedestrians on foot by creating new pavements and cycle lanes.
- Construct new roads/bridges/attachments to current bridge which connect opposite riverbanks and neighbourhoods.
- Re-imburse the governments budget and demolish the bridge and use the money to invest in the social housing and public spaces.
London’s Worst Architecture
- 25 Ridgemont Street represents everything wrong with British architecture.
- If you use red brick, it means its traditional. However people do not want buildings that are too traditional.
- If architects add curves into the design of a building it will look modern at the same time.
- Gardens are seen some what of a rarity in Central London. The architects which designed the building at 25 Ridgemont Street tried to work around this by implementing a balcony, however the balcony is in front of a door, which in turn increases the price of the apartments without having to spend money on useful features.
http://failedarchitecture.com/2011/04/londons-worst-architecture/
Possible solutions to these problems:
- Demolish the existing building and create a new project for that site.
- Hire a new architect to renovate/improve the current building, who takes into consideration the existing surrounding and atmosphere, and who also understands the relationship of red bricks and tradition and see if they can use the material of red bricks in an innovative, modern fashion.
- Extend the current building to attempt to create a balcony/garden.
Task 6. Islamic Architecture and Identity
The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock is a seventh century shrine located in Jerusalem and was built between 685 and 691 C.E. It houses a rock which the Muslim religion believes that Muhammed is said to have ascended to heaven from.
The Dome of the Rock was the first domed shrine made and is considered to be a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The dome itself is roofed in lead and then covered in gold. The dome is supported by a circular frame which has four piers and twelve columns. Furthermore, surrounding the circle is an octagonal frame of eight piers and sixteen columns which supports the dome.
What I find most interesting about The Dome of the Rock is the decoration on the interior and exterior of the structure. It is decorated with mosaics, painted wood, marble, coloured tiles and carved stone. I also find interesting the use of intricate patterns and geometric shapes which have been used throughout the decoration of the building.
The Dome of the Rock was the first domed shrine made and is considered to be a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The dome itself is roofed in lead and then covered in gold. The dome is supported by a circular frame which has four piers and twelve columns. Furthermore, surrounding the circle is an octagonal frame of eight piers and sixteen columns which supports the dome.
What I find most interesting about The Dome of the Rock is the decoration on the interior and exterior of the structure. It is decorated with mosaics, painted wood, marble, coloured tiles and carved stone. I also find interesting the use of intricate patterns and geometric shapes which have been used throughout the decoration of the building.
http://www.domeoftherock.net Last accessed 12th November 2013
Masdar City
Masdar City (located in Abu Dhabi) is an 11 billion pound, Norman Foster designed project in which a few hundred people can experience the world's most advanced laboratory for high tech environmental technology. It is a continuously developing hub for renewable energy and clean technologies. The original plan was to make Masdar City the world's first zero-carbon city. Masdar attempts to be a place which offers a high quality of living and working with the lowest ecological footprint. One feature of Masdar City which I fount particularly interesting was that there is a 45 metre Teflon-coated wind tower that shows the people living there how much energy their community is using.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/apr/26/masdar-city-desert-future Last accessed 12th November 2013
http://masdarcity.ae/en/48/resource-centre/image-gallery/?gal=3 Last accessed 12th November 2013
http://masdarcity.ae/en/27/what-is-masdar-city-/ Last accessed 12th November 2013
http://masdarcity.ae/en/48/resource-centre/image-gallery/?gal=3 Last accessed 12th November 2013
http://masdarcity.ae/en/27/what-is-masdar-city-/ Last accessed 12th November 2013
Islamic Architecture has developed over the years due to many influences from different countries. There have been many Islamic architectural styles such as Persian, Moorish, Turkistan, Ottoman Turkish, Fatimid, Mamluk, Mughal, Sino-Islamic, Afro-Islamic and finally implementing Islamic architecture into Contemporary Architecture.
I think Mughal architecture is an ideal example of how Islamic architecture has developed over recent years. A very recognised global example of Mughal architecture is the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum still retains some of the early architectural islamic style but also develops it further. For example, the materials used to construct the building were all precious and semi-precious stones such as white marble. The Taj Mahal is completely symmetrical which shows how it relates back with the geometry of early Islamic architecture. Furthermore you can see the use of domes and spires which are iconic in all Islamic architectural styles.
http://www.islamic-architecture.info/A-HIST.htm Last accessed 12th November 2013
http://rajivawijesinha.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/historic-buildings-x-the-taj-mahal-at-agra-c-1650-ad/ Last accessed 12th November 2013
Traditional Islamic Architecture Modern Islamic Architecture
Task 7. Religion and Place
1. What is Chthonian Power?
Chthonian Power is relating to or inhabiting the underworld. Also it can mean any type of God implying the origin of a creative force.
2. "whereas a sacred natural feature is location-specific, a sacred building, such as a Christian church, can, in principle, be raised almost anywhere with appropriate rites of consecration"
I agree that sacred natural features are location specific, for example natural rivers and waterfalls only happen in certain specific areas and caves and volcanos can only form in certain areas of the world and under certain conditions. I think as an example of a christian church it cant be raised just anywhere, it needs to be raised in a place which relates to a high power and preaches to God.
3. “To educated Europeans, natural features may be valued for ecological and aesthetic reasons, but that does not make them sacred. If, in vestigial faith, anything is still regarded as not wholly of this world, it is the consecrated building: a shrine, church or synagogue” (p. 14).
I agree that this can be related to other religions because natural features can be seen as a place of worship but not necessarily sacred but where someone can go to calm down and 'meditate'. I feel that some religions such as Buddhism rely on natural features to allow them to drift into their sanctuary of sacredness through a shrine.
4. Do you think that sacredness can change/enhance the spirit of the place?
I think that sacredness can definitely enhance a space because if someone is a believer of god enters a sacred place then it can fill them will feelings that can overwhelm then and enhance the feeling that they can feel in that space.
5. How would you represent sacredness in a building? Try to translate it into a drawing and/ or a model.
Chthonian Power is relating to or inhabiting the underworld. Also it can mean any type of God implying the origin of a creative force.
2. "whereas a sacred natural feature is location-specific, a sacred building, such as a Christian church, can, in principle, be raised almost anywhere with appropriate rites of consecration"
I agree that sacred natural features are location specific, for example natural rivers and waterfalls only happen in certain specific areas and caves and volcanos can only form in certain areas of the world and under certain conditions. I think as an example of a christian church it cant be raised just anywhere, it needs to be raised in a place which relates to a high power and preaches to God.
3. “To educated Europeans, natural features may be valued for ecological and aesthetic reasons, but that does not make them sacred. If, in vestigial faith, anything is still regarded as not wholly of this world, it is the consecrated building: a shrine, church or synagogue” (p. 14).
I agree that this can be related to other religions because natural features can be seen as a place of worship but not necessarily sacred but where someone can go to calm down and 'meditate'. I feel that some religions such as Buddhism rely on natural features to allow them to drift into their sanctuary of sacredness through a shrine.
4. Do you think that sacredness can change/enhance the spirit of the place?
I think that sacredness can definitely enhance a space because if someone is a believer of god enters a sacred place then it can fill them will feelings that can overwhelm then and enhance the feeling that they can feel in that space.
5. How would you represent sacredness in a building? Try to translate it into a drawing and/ or a model.
Task 8. Project 4: Observation Tower
Historical
Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral
http://lincolncathedral.com/building/architecture/
Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building on the planet for over 238 years, its central spire collapsed in 1549 and was never rebuilt. The pointed arches, flying buttresses and ribbed vaults, which were key components of the Gothic style of Architecture at that time allowed Lincoln Cathedral to have larger windows for stained glass.
John Ruskin is quoted saying ' I have always held... that the Cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have'.
John Ruskin is quoted saying ' I have always held... that the Cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have'.
Contemporary
The Shard, London
The Shard, London
http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2012/dec/30/2013-architecture-preview-shard-piano
The Shard won the London RIBA Award 2014. The architect Renzo Piano is quoted saying; 'This is my vision: I foresee the tower as a vertical city, for thousands of people to work in and enjoy and for millions tot take to their heart'.
The Shard aims to inspire business to expect a higher quality of working and to reassure architects to approach commercial projects with a more open mind.
http://the-shard.com/shard/news/may-2014-(1)
The Shard aims to inspire business to expect a higher quality of working and to reassure architects to approach commercial projects with a more open mind.
http://the-shard.com/shard/news/may-2014-(1)
The organisation of a space is key to the perception of a buildings surroundings. For example, if the spaces are organised wrong and there is no flow through the building then people may not understand the route through the building and could potentially end up getting lost if they cant interact with the spaces designed.
http://virtualsacredspace.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/contemporary-sacred-architecture.html
To compare a medieval church such as Lincoln Cathedral and a contemporary parish church designed by Siza and still be able to find similarities amazes me. The first thing i recognise is the large entranceway space which allows people to gather here and allows an even flow through and out of the building. Furthermore I recognised the spires which are mimicked in the contemporary church.
To compare a medieval church such as Lincoln Cathedral and a contemporary parish church designed by Siza and still be able to find similarities amazes me. The first thing i recognise is the large entranceway space which allows people to gather here and allows an even flow through and out of the building. Furthermore I recognised the spires which are mimicked in the contemporary church.
I feel that Nottingham Contemporary has a hierarchy within the landscape. For example, in the left image the space that extrudes from the building has taken hierarchy as it helps to frame a view of St Mary's Church opposite the building and furthermore in the right image, as you walk up the stairs your view is framed towards St. Mary's Church which shows how the spaces within the landscape need a hierarchy to fulfil certain needs within the design.
Task 9. Analysing Architecture. On Geometry
“Some argue that if geometry is the language by which God designed the universe, it should also be the language by which architect design their buildings”?
In my own interpretation and understanding I think the link between God and Architecture is that God is said to have built everything perfectly, I think the link between God and Architecture is that God is said to have made everyone at a certain height and stature and we as architects are supposed to use the human body as geometry to create ideal geometry in our buildings.
Personally, I agree with Unwin. I feel that as architects we need to consider the geometry of the body in all of our designs so that we feel comfortable in that space. Geometry allows us to know what heights certain walls should be and how high a chair should be so that we feel comfortable.
“It speaks of a ‘higher’, more perfect level of interaction with the world, where the will triumphs over the untidiness and tribulations of mundane reality”
I think that Ideal Geometry can help us organise our lives as it allows us to interact with spaces much easier and in turn allows you to organise your thoughts clearer as well as the interacting spaces around you.
If I were to design my own ideal city I would follow the ideal geometry posed by Unwin as it allows us to understand the spaces which people need and how God intended us to interact with them. And as quoted by Unwin "it allows us a more perfect level of interaction with the world".
“Ideal geometry manifests human discipline and aspiration to achieve a perfection in form not found in nature”.
This idea can be related to the idea of contemporary styles such as Deconstructivism because even though these forms do not follow the same ideas as ideal geometry they can still create spaces which also in themselves do not create a form found in nature and are completely alien to God.
Personally I prefer organic forms which are alien to the typical geometrical buildings and stand out against a landscape.
Examples of Modern Architects which use Ideal Geometry include:
“Some argue that if geometry is the language by which God designed the universe, it should also be the language by which architect design their buildings”?
In my own interpretation and understanding I think the link between God and Architecture is that God is said to have built everything perfectly, I think the link between God and Architecture is that God is said to have made everyone at a certain height and stature and we as architects are supposed to use the human body as geometry to create ideal geometry in our buildings.
Personally, I agree with Unwin. I feel that as architects we need to consider the geometry of the body in all of our designs so that we feel comfortable in that space. Geometry allows us to know what heights certain walls should be and how high a chair should be so that we feel comfortable.
“It speaks of a ‘higher’, more perfect level of interaction with the world, where the will triumphs over the untidiness and tribulations of mundane reality”
I think that Ideal Geometry can help us organise our lives as it allows us to interact with spaces much easier and in turn allows you to organise your thoughts clearer as well as the interacting spaces around you.
If I were to design my own ideal city I would follow the ideal geometry posed by Unwin as it allows us to understand the spaces which people need and how God intended us to interact with them. And as quoted by Unwin "it allows us a more perfect level of interaction with the world".
“Ideal geometry manifests human discipline and aspiration to achieve a perfection in form not found in nature”.
This idea can be related to the idea of contemporary styles such as Deconstructivism because even though these forms do not follow the same ideas as ideal geometry they can still create spaces which also in themselves do not create a form found in nature and are completely alien to God.
Personally I prefer organic forms which are alien to the typical geometrical buildings and stand out against a landscape.
Examples of Modern Architects which use Ideal Geometry include:
The British Museum by John Russell Pope
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/degree-courses/8580585/Architecture-degree-course-guide.html
St Louies Arch by Anand Chandramohan
http://naturalselectionblog.com/2011/04/14/attn-st-louis-naturals-curls-and-coffee-this-sunday-april-17th/
Task 10. Project 5. On Topography
Villa Adriana
Villa Adriana
http://www.villaadriana.beniculturali.it
The Villa was the greatest Roman example of an Alexandrian garden as it recreated a sacred landscape. The villa showed many different architectural styles such as Greek, Egyptian and Hadrian. The domes of the steam baths have circular holes which allow steam to escape which is very similar to that of the Pantheon which was also built by Hadrian.
The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Charles Jencks, Scotland
The Villa was the greatest Roman example of an Alexandrian garden as it recreated a sacred landscape. The villa showed many different architectural styles such as Greek, Egyptian and Hadrian. The domes of the steam baths have circular holes which allow steam to escape which is very similar to that of the Pantheon which was also built by Hadrian.
The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Charles Jencks, Scotland
http://www.charlesjencks.com/#!the-garden-of-cosmic-speculation
Charles Jencks' Garden of Cosmic Speculation is inspired by purely science and mathematics. He uses sculptures and landscaping to create such things as "Black Holes" and "Fractals". His garden does not have plants, instead it sets out mathematical formulae and scientific phenomena in a setting which combines natural features and artificial symmetry and curves.
The natural landscape can reinforce the built landscape as the natural landscape itself can create interesting dunes or hills which can be landscaped and worked with in the built landscape to create really unique spaces which people can interact with, almost like little crevices where people could just meet to relax or eat lunch. Just from looking at Charles Jencks' Garden Speculation you can see how he has worked with the pre-existent natural landscape and has worked with it to create a combined natural and built landscape.
I think that a mix between natural and built landscape will most definitely enhance the perception of a given place. A building landscape on its own can be quite static, however if worked in with the natural landscape much more interesting and organic spaces can be produced.
The natural landscape can reinforce the built landscape as the natural landscape itself can create interesting dunes or hills which can be landscaped and worked with in the built landscape to create really unique spaces which people can interact with, almost like little crevices where people could just meet to relax or eat lunch. Just from looking at Charles Jencks' Garden Speculation you can see how he has worked with the pre-existent natural landscape and has worked with it to create a combined natural and built landscape.
I think that a mix between natural and built landscape will most definitely enhance the perception of a given place. A building landscape on its own can be quite static, however if worked in with the natural landscape much more interesting and organic spaces can be produced.
Task 11. Nineteenth Century
- According to Salmon, where did most of the British architects went to study in Europe?
2 Which Italian architect influenced British students through his approach to Roman ruins?
Giovanni Battista Piranesi influenced British students through his approach to Roman ruins
3 What is the meaning of Historiography?
Simply put, the meaning of Historiography is the study of the writing of history.
4 According to Salmon, ancient Rome was a source of inspiration for the architects of the 19c since it was possible to draw many analogies between these cultures. Do you agree with this statement?
I agree with Salmon's statement that Rome was a source of inspiration for architects of the 19th century because Rome has given us so many archetypes that we can study from such as the Pantheon and has allowed us to study their orders. Furthermore Roman ruins has allowed us to come in contact with columns and understand how buildings stand and how they are reinforced.
5 Salmon also explains how at some point these comparisons became simple pastiches or copies of Roman architecture. What is your opinion about using the past as inspiration in such a literal way?
I think that using the past as inspiration in such a literal way is not necessarily a bad thing as these ways have worked for many years and I find that merging new design ideas with that of the past can sometimes create quite a nice contextual link between the new and the old and can show how the new age of architecture has been influenced fully from past ways and shows how over time we have adapted but we can still respect the ways which we have taken inspiration from.
The Arkwright Building
http://www.ntualumni.org.uk/giving_to_ntu/recognising_our_donors/benefactors_court/history_of_arkwright
The Arkwright Building was built by Nottingham Corporation in the late 1870s in an intricate Gothic design. The building had a few main purposes; Victorian Education, University College, the public library and the natural history museum.
The new renovation cost 90 million pounds. As the building was a Grade II listed building the new renovation couldn't completely change the building. The new renovation has combined the original state of the building and the new contemporary world that we live in today. The building still keeps in with the historical natural beauty and also is environmentally friendly.
The Arkwright Building was built by Nottingham Corporation in the late 1870s in an intricate Gothic design. The building had a few main purposes; Victorian Education, University College, the public library and the natural history museum.
The new renovation cost 90 million pounds. As the building was a Grade II listed building the new renovation couldn't completely change the building. The new renovation has combined the original state of the building and the new contemporary world that we live in today. The building still keeps in with the historical natural beauty and also is environmentally friendly.
Structural Details on Arkwright
Task 12. Project 6. Urban Project - Synthesis. On Le Corbusier
The main problem that Le Corbusier faced when introducing "mass house production" was that nothing was ready and everything had to start from "the beginning".
Corbusier wants to replace "natural materials" with artificial materials which are by products of fixed composition.
“A house will no longer be this solidity-built thing which sets out to defy time and decay, and which is an expensive luxury by which wealth can be shown; it will be a tool as the motor-car is becoming a tool” (p. 219)
I agree with this statement, however houses will always remain a luxury and especially modern day houses, they are a sign of wealth . However most people live in more houses and holiday homes which makes houses seem less valuable and almost as a necessity
What is the Mason Citrohan?
The Mason Citrohan was a solution to housing problems where Le Corbusier would build a logical and economical house in 3 days which have been compared to as house machines.
Have a look at le Corbusier’s plan for a University Quarter. What do you think about his approach?
Le Corbusier's approach to the University Quarter is logical as he is thinking and designing for the mass market. His design is extremely well thought out and tackles all the modern day problems we have with heating, ventilation, light, time and money.
Le Corbusier identifies Architectural Schools as collaborators in the process of creating a new architecture. Do you think that role has been/ can be achieved?
I dont think this role has been achieved as it is unachievable as it its not a finite objective. There is no end point to architectural styles and their continual development, so the only things schools if architecture can do is to continue to enhance this role of architectural design and accelerate the rate of change.
Corbusier wants to replace "natural materials" with artificial materials which are by products of fixed composition.
“A house will no longer be this solidity-built thing which sets out to defy time and decay, and which is an expensive luxury by which wealth can be shown; it will be a tool as the motor-car is becoming a tool” (p. 219)
I agree with this statement, however houses will always remain a luxury and especially modern day houses, they are a sign of wealth . However most people live in more houses and holiday homes which makes houses seem less valuable and almost as a necessity
What is the Mason Citrohan?
The Mason Citrohan was a solution to housing problems where Le Corbusier would build a logical and economical house in 3 days which have been compared to as house machines.
Have a look at le Corbusier’s plan for a University Quarter. What do you think about his approach?
Le Corbusier's approach to the University Quarter is logical as he is thinking and designing for the mass market. His design is extremely well thought out and tackles all the modern day problems we have with heating, ventilation, light, time and money.
Le Corbusier identifies Architectural Schools as collaborators in the process of creating a new architecture. Do you think that role has been/ can be achieved?
I dont think this role has been achieved as it is unachievable as it its not a finite objective. There is no end point to architectural styles and their continual development, so the only things schools if architecture can do is to continue to enhance this role of architectural design and accelerate the rate of change.
Task 13. Project 6. Urban Project - Synthesis. Analysing Architecture
Nottingham Contemporary.
Nottingham Contemporary.
I went to visit Nottingham Contemporary museum. This is a very new, contemporary building in which artwork is exhibited. The spaces in the building itself are very phenomenological as they allow the user to interact with the space which complements the art exhibit itself as it allows the user to interact with the piece of art through the architecture. In terms of circulation the building has an even flow through the building, moving through the exhibition floors and on the bottom floor a cafe area which leads you down to the public pathway. What I find interesting is the public pathway is running through the site's context which shows how the building relates to its busy context of the lace market. Furthermore, the building creates viewpoints and frames out from the building of St Mary's Church which creates a loose cultural context between the two lace market buildings. Also, the building is pre cast cladded with a lace pattern into the concrete material which shows how the architect has tried to keep the context between the site and the building.
Task 14. Self-Appraisal
From reflecting back on my patchwork essay feedback I realise how I could have improved my performance. I think that I needed more background research on the buildings themselves. Furthermore, when linking the two buildings together I feel that I may have been lacking in detail and only briefly describing the contextual link or contemporary design of a building. I think definitely visiting a building will help you understand the building better as when you visit a building you can interact with the space and begin to understand why that space has been used in such a way in terms of phenomenology. Critical thinking this year has allowed me to understand that there is more than one way to arrive at the same conclusion and by broadening your mind you can get a vaster range of ideas which can then be further developed to create a more refined design idea that can be worked further. I feel that I have learnt enough about academic writing and I fully understand the relevance of plaigarism and the relevance of using the Harvard Referencing System in my essays. I feel that i have fully understood the need to fully research a building when preparing a design project, I think I would prefer to research contemporary buildings rather than historical buildings when approaching a new design project as I feel they produce more organic forms which I enjoy working with.