hfox2501: September 2010

Monday, September 13, 2010

Seminar Questions

Stan Allen describes field conditions as “bottom-up phenomena: defined not by overarching geometrical schemas but by intricate local connections.” What are some field condition examples that can be found in the road systems of Lubbock?

Grid Highway, Labeling of Streets, Stop Signs, Grading of the road

In part 1, Allen distinguishes a geometric relationship of classical architecture from an algebraic combination of the Cordoba Mosque. How do these two architectural examples differ?

Geometric. Was built in units and replicated over and over.

What are some other examples of field conditions that can be observed around campus?

Sidewalks, Football games, Parking lots, and bathrooms.

How does a field condition stand to redefine the relation between figure and round?

It adds another element

What is the reality Michael Benedikt writes about?

Differences in types styles and realities of architecture.

Benedikt describes degrees of reality in architecture as: Architecture of Dreams, Architecture of Games, Architecture of Illusions, Architecture of Enactments and Architecture of Jokes. What are some example buildings that fall under these categories?

Modern housing, English building,most buildings on tech campus

Benedikt describes “direct esthetic experience of the real” as being moments without symbolism. Where in our environment does symbolism occur and where in our environment is symbolism absent? What is an example of this situation?

Symbolism - Catholic Church, Campus, Chrysler building, Home Depot

Without - Parking lots Space under power lines

Although Benedikt’s position pulls examples from the 70‘s and 80‘s to illustrate that an architecture of reality is polar to the post-modern architecture movement, this condition continues to exist today. Where in the city would be examples of an architecture of reality and post-modern architecture?

Toilet Pot by Duck, Suburban Architecture, and Las Vegas

The four components that define the “realness” of an architecture for reality are: presence, significance, materiality, and emptiness (in two categories). How do these components relate to architecture? and What are some examples of architectural elements that make up these conditions?

Presence - Speaks for itself. Feeling achieved from being in a certain space.

Significance - Meaning to the people. Collective value

Materiality - how a material is used. Not in a jokingly manor.

Emptiness - sometimes implied. Can be a place to warm you up to enter the next space.