HSTARC 2: ARCHITECTS PART 2: LE CORBUSIER AND LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE

LE CORBUSIER

Le Corbusier is one of the pioneers of Modern Architecture. As I’ve mentioned in my past blog entry, he introduced five points of architecture:  Raising the building on pilotis which made the building seem to float above the ground,  The ‘Free Plan’ in which spaced were arranged as to how each are used without the need for walls, The ‘Free Façade’ in which the function of each room/space dictated the structure’s façade which states that form follows function,  having a roof garden to compensate for the green area consumed by the building and replacing it on the roof, and lastly the use of strip windows to allow natural light to enter the structure. All of these five points can be seen in Villa Savoye. Le Corbusier also had a ‘Modular’ system wherein he used the golden ratio for the scale of architectural proportion just like Vitrivius and Leonardo da Vinci. 

LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE

               

                Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is also one of the pioneers of Modern Architecture along with Le Corbusier. His architectural approach is simplicity and honesty. I admire his passion for architecture that he delved into the past and studied every aspect of architecture to create his own unique style. He desired to express the modern age through his architecture. It was him who coined the phrases ‘Less is more’ and ‘God is in the details’. He believed that the details played a major role in designing structures. My favorite work of Mies is the Farnsworth house. I love how transparent it is that interaction between people and nature is very much encouraged.

HSTARC 2: ARCHITECTS PART 1: SULLIVAN AND WRIGHT

 LOUIS SULLIVAN

                           Louis Sullivan is known as the ‘Father of Skyscrapers”. It was him who coined the phrase ‘Form Follows Function’ which is the design concept of most architects today. Sullivan incorporated classical and modern design styles in his structures. He used art nouveau inspired ornamentations, classical columns and sometimes even his own designed columns, and a massive semi circular arch which when mixed together became his signature style.

                     'He and Dankman Adler divided the building into four zones. The basement was the mechanical and utility area. Since this level was below ground, it did not show on the face of the building. The next zone was the ground-floor zone which was the public areas for street-facing shops, public entrances and lobbies. The third zone was the office floors with identical office cells clustered around the central elevator shafts. The final zone was the terminating zone, consisting of elevator equipment, utilities and a few offices.'

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

  

                Frank Lloyd Wright isn’t new to me. Books of his works are everywhere and I myself have 3 different ones. He is known to be very concerned in organic architecture that he paid much attention to the smallest details even in the interiors of the house. He is one of the first architects who created their own furniture that would match their structure’s design. The Kauffman residence or most commonly known as the Fallingwater is his most familiar work me. He incorporated Japanese design principles in the treatment of space to this house. He was able to create harmony between man and nature. I like how this house was situated on top of a waterfall, allowing the sounds of nature that enriches the experience inside it. Although he is considered as ‘The greatest architect of all time’, I don’t really admire him. His ideas weren’t really true to his own, stealing his mentor, Sullivan’s. 

HSTARC 2: On American Architecture

American Architecture is subdivided into different kinds. During the Pre-Colonial stage, there’s Inca Architecture and Mayan Architecture. The colonial stage on the other hand is comprised of many different styles but i will be discussing only a few. 

INCA ARCHITECTURE:

            People during this time just like the prehistoric era, made use of finely made stones for their structures. One famous creation during this period is the Machu Picchu in Peru also known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. The Incas were masters of the Ashlar technique which allowed them to create finely cut stones that fit perfectly for construction-too perfect not even a blade of glass fits between them. How they were able to build this city with structures each uniquely designed to sustain their daily activities.

MACHU PICCHU

MAYA ARCHITECTURE:

            The style of the Mayas was deeply influenced by Egyptian Architecture. They made use of platforms just like the Egyptians and even had their own style of a pyramid. Majority of their structures were for religious purposes. Ornamentations were also present in their structures.

NEW ENGLAND COLONIAL (1600’s – 1740)

The characteristics of structures during this period are: triangular roof, little ornamentations, and the frequent use of wood. Houses during this time were symmetrical with only a few windows, a simple looking house with a chimney.

COLONIAL CAPE COD (1600’S-1950’S)

            Colonial Cape Cods were mostly constructed out of wood. Just like New England colonial houses, they were made to look simple and symmetrical. Cod’s were made to blend into the landscapes so most were painted with natural colors and had very few ornamentations. These homes were built to withstand stormy weather.

SPANISH COLONIAL (1600’S-1900’S)

            People once again made use of bricks as a building material to create simple looking homes. Arched openings and columns were once again seen on their structures.

GERMAN COLONIAL (1600’S-1800’S)

            German Colonial houses looked like New England and Cape Cod homes. All of which had simple aesthetics.

DUTCH COLONIAL (1625-1800’S)

            Dutch Colonial homes were constructed with bricks. It had Dutch style doors and gambrel roofs, and two chimneys on opposite sides of the house. 

HSTARC2 BLOGS

Romanesque

Gothic

Renaissance

Baroque/Rococco

American Architecture

Growth of European States

Industrial Revolution

Arts & Crafts

Art Nouveau

Beaux Arts + Neo Gothic

Art Deco

Bauhaus

International Architecture

THE ARCHITECTS: Louis Sullivan|Frank Lloyd Wright|Le Corbusier|Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

TOTALLY FORGOT TO BLOG AFTER RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE :| :( :((

HSTARC 2: On The International Style

Towards the end of 1920s, architects became more adventurous and developed a new style in designing structures. This had a great influence in the coming styles as it evolved and moved from one country to another. As it spread across the globe, the architectural style of countries became international reaching the peak of Modern Architecture. This was introduced by  Philip Johnson together with writer Henry Hitchcock organized an international exhibit of modern architecture which displayed works of Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe. All of the works exhibited same characteristics, minimal use of ornamentation, cubism in form and was true to its materials.

Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House

The international style rejected ornamentations favoring minimalism. It is characterized by the use of concrete, steel and glass. The spaces inside buildings had thin walls and were defined by partition walls with the use of screens and windows. Since the Bauhaus already introduced high quality designs that were mass produced, they were able to reproduce materials they needed like doors and windows. They stepped away from the traditional style in building with their new techniques. I like how the structures produced by this international style exemplified elegance and beauty through simplicity.

There are 5 points in this new architectural style what was introduced by le Corbusier:

-      -Raising the building on pilotis which made the building seem to float above the ground.

-      -The Free Plan in which spaced were arranged as to how each are used without the need for walls.

-     - The Free Façade in which the function of each room/space dictated the structure’s façade.– FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION

-      -The Roof Garden

-      -Use of strip windows to allow natural light to enter the structure

*All of these key points are seen in Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye (see picture below)

     

HSTARC2 : On Beaux Arts and

BEAUX ARTSSSS

Beaux Arts is a neo classical style that originated from a school of fine arts in Paris in the early 19^th century. École des Beaux-Arts had two main influential aspects. One, it taught students how to treat the different spaces in a structure according to hierarchy and importance. How these spaces interact was very important. There should be a correct flow of movement within. Secondly, The beaux arts style was implemented which was heavily influenced by Classical and Neoclassical architecture. Once again, structures were symmetrical, dramatic feel was brought by the widespread use of statuary and had classical doors details and decorations. Classical columns and capitals were seen in structures again. This resulted to structures that demonstrate grandeur.

This style continued to spread across Europe but was often altered by designers who ignored the fundamental proper use of spaces. Soon enough it reached the United States. This style had a big impact on American architecture. American cities such as New York encompass what beaux arts style is all about.

War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco

NEO GOTHIC

             Neo-Gothic is simply the revival of gothic architecture. This revival Architects started creating tall structures that had flying buttresses, tracery windows, pointed windows once again. Although it was a bit altered all the characteristics of the then gothic architecture is very evident in the structures. Neo-Gothic style was widespread across the United States and England. 

Cathedral Of Learning in Pittsburgh by Charles Klauder

Interior

HSTARC2 : On Bauhaus

             Bauhaus is a school of design founded in Germany that has been very influential to arts and architecture. After the Arts and Crafts movement, artists and designers were encouraged to create their crafts may it be furniture to buildings with great consideration for the construction method and the analysis of form+function.

‘The Bauhaus believes the machine to be our modern medium of design and seeks to come to terms with it.’

-Walter Gropius

              Walter Gropius is the founder of Bauhaus and was considered to be a Master of Modern Architecture. He is one of the pioneers in the mixing of industrialization and craftsmanship. He became the director of the Bauhaus from 1919-1928 and during his teaching career, he taught his students more about different crafts and design alongside concepts on form and color. He wanted them to not only create functional designs but also infuse good aesthetics into it.

              The Bauhaus was revolutionary. It has influenced modern architecture trends in all parts of the world. It brought art and architecture to work together in forming exceptional designs. It taught the world that in order for a design to be successful, it must consider the function as much as the aesthetics.

HSTARC2 : On the Arts & Crafts movement.

The inventiveness of the Victorians led to the boom of the construction industry. They were great at making the most out of technology to create new things that could benefit the people and successfully created various machines that helped in hastening the construction process. Over time, they developed their craft skills and were able to master the usage of different tools and materials which demonstrated great craftsmanship. With the use of local materials and pure artistry, the Arts and Crafts architecture was born.

At that time, William Morris was a famous designer known for his exceptional craftsmanship helped spread this new art movement. He was able to create beautifully ornamented household furnitures some of which still made up to this day. The chair in the picture below shows how honest it is letting its materials speak for themselves.

Rossetti Chair by William Morris

The artists of this period had great respect for materials may it be stone, wood, metal or brick. They carefully chose which material to use for different subjects and made sure they go along perfectly. They paid much importance to keeping their works clean, exposing it and leaving it honest – true to its design and materials. Wood was widely used for their floors and walls. I love the fact that not only did they have respect for the design outcome but also for the materials they used in the process. Basically, this period exemplified a craft-based architecture wherein they put much attention to details to create an authentic sophisticated overall design. 

HSTARC 2: Art Nouveau

When people started to go against the formality and revivalism of the Victorian period, was the birth of the style called Art Nouveau. People wanted to delve more into the natural forms rather than the clutter cause by Victorian art. Influences from different countries reached Europe such as the Japanese art which embodied strong designs filled with rich colors, and the feminine natural beauty revealed by the posters of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha.

Alphonse Mucha's Monaco-Monte Carlo

Different artists were influenced in various ways-exploring the use of colorful materials, applying curves and distortion to wall decorations and structural details. This style spread across Europe affecting the styles of each city in a diverse way-In England this movement influenced product design, others on pottery, and tiles which helped in the design of exterior walls of their buildings. Cities such as Riga, Prague and Moscow became the center of Art Nouveau decoration. People used this influence for the design of upper class homes and hotels to attract clients. One architect however used curves more than the others. Antoni Gaudi designed buildings with curving walls, pillars and irregular windows instead of just solely ornamenting the façades.

Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi

But just like the Art Deco movement, this didn’t last very long. Though this movement was successful in encouraging architects to think out of the box when it comes to designing structures. This paved the way for the new kind of architecture in the 20^th century. 

HSTARC 2 : On Art Deco

This is the period when people started to move past the traditional classical style and created a unique decorative modernist style out of the Egyptian past. This began during an art exhibition in Paris called the Exposition Intertionale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes wherein different designs and styles were shown. What stood out in this exhibition was this varitety of highly decorative luxurious objects that defined what Art Deco really is.

Originating in France, this style was the fusion of colors, patterns and lines. Just like the previous styles, people during this period strived to create a name of their own thus explored different usage of materials and blending of the past styles. Although they let go of the classical, they patterned this new style after Egyptian art and architecture where geometrical patterns and shapes played an important role.

They started out with decorating furniture to add glamour to the interiors of their homes and ended up applying this distinct style to structures. This spread widely across the world, producing elegant, luxurious structures that added sophistication to cities. But it wasn’t long till the Second World War ceased the further development of this style leaving just imprints in the world of architecture.

Two famous art deco buildings that still stand today are the Empire State Building and the Chrysler building both of which located at New York City.

Chrysler Building by William Van Alen

Empire State Building by architects Shreve, Lamb and Harmon 

HSTARC 2 : On Industrial Architecture

            The industrial revolution in Britain gave birth to a new, modern world. Technology was developing fast, new building types such as warehouses and factories were introduced that changed how people lived. Different materials that were made available for people allowed them to take construction into a whole new level. They started exploring and used different structural metal frameworks to create structures that would work for their benefit. This paved the way for the construction of the skyscrapers we see today.

            Structures that were built earlier were mostly made of wood thus had the huge risk of fire. Luckily, during the industrial revolution, iron was made available. The development of the iron industry was pretty quick thus allowed people to build machines, and later on use it for construction. Abraham Darby was the pioneer of using iron and constructed the famous River Severn at England (see photo below). After Darby, people started adopting this technology in the construction of their buildings. Many people followed his footsteps and factories were soon constructed to be fireproof which from then on was the goal of factory builders.

First bridge made completely of iron.

            As the iron production was booming, people devised ways on how to make the most out of this material such as the production of more malleable wrought iron. Puddling, the process that involved melting cast iron in a furnace removed carbon from the metal was used to be able to produce building components detrimental to constructing sturdy structures such as trusses that had to be strong in tension. This mass production of Iron led to the construction of build fire-proof structures with more storeys.

            This era shows us how technology benefits us and contributed to the advancement of the way we live. It allowed us to build faster, stronger structures that allowed people to create the world we live in today. The industrial architecture indeed played a major role in the birth of 20^th century architecture. 

HSTARC 2: On Baroque Architecture

Baroque was derived from a term ‘rough or imperfect pearl’ seeming like an insult to artists at that time. After the religious movement called the Reformation spread across Europe, people started to question practices of the Catholic Church and so protestant churches emerged. The Catholics then started a movement that aimed to bring people back to church called the Counter-Reformation where art and architecture played a major role in. Art was used to draw people closer to religion and to emphasize the magnificence of God and the saints thus gave birth to what we know as Baroque.

While the Renaissance structures were composed of squares, circles and triangles that possessed symmetry, architects of the Baroque era focused on adding drama, complexity and dimension into their works. The designs during the Baroque amused me because they were very unpredictable, the usually straight lines were bent and formed curves, circles were stretched to ovals, thus introducing new patterns unknown to architecture before. They changed how people see architecture by stepping out of the norm and introducing their own distinct style. They emphasized drama in the interiors of the buildings with the usage of unusual lighting effects and illusions for fluidity.

            For me, Baroque architecture encompasses the best use of ornamentation and details. I like how the usual round arches started to take on bending shapes. Traditional geometrical forms and shapes were torn to create new unusual patterns. A great example of this is the circular dome of the church of San Lorenzo in Turin by Guarino Guarini. See (picture below) how the ribs criss-cross forming segments with the presence of odd shaped windows how the combination of all these made a simple dome look more complex.

            Baroque architecture had a sense of distortion that makes it unparagoned. You can still see its roots and how it evolved from classical architecture. For me, this era was able to create its unique characteristics successfully more than the other styles. Architects of this time were brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and making their attempt to create something new and distinct very victorious.

            As the baroque period was starting to end, the Rococo style was born. In simple terms, the Rococo style just made the baroque more complex having a widespread use of the new S-shaped and  C-shaped curves. They fore go of symmetry and explored the different assymetrical effects taking baroque to extremes. They added MORE ornamentation to the interior and exterior of buildings. I am personally not a fan of this heavy ornamentation the Rococo style demonstrated for i find it too messy. Although i admire how this style though short lived has achieved distinctiveness that sets it apart from the other past and future styles.

An example of a structure showing the Rococo Style - interior of the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo

WISH I WAS AT COACHELLA

Would've been awesome if i was at Indio,California away from schoolwork. Yet again, i missed another year of probably the BEST music festival with the best lineup!

COACHELLA 20—, I’ll be there!

The lineup this year is too awesome. 

Brandon Flowers, Cold War Kids, Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, YACHT, Animal Collective, Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, Empire of the Sun, Mumford & Sons, Two Door Cinema Club, Ellie Goulding, Foster the People, Jack’s Mannequin, Kanye West, Jimmy Eat World, Ratatat, The Strokes, Tinie Tempah AND OTHER COOL BANDS. 

For sad people like me, this is the closest we can get: http://www.youtube.com/coachella

THEDES2 : My Life Story's stage design.

So we were asked to write a story about a significant moment in our lives (I chose one that's very private so I can't really post it here) for a deconstruction exercise. Here are some pictures of the one i made.

BINARIES: 

LOVE - HATE

HEALED - BROKEN

PAST - PRESENT

That big loop symbolizes the strongest emotion i felt, along with that was the 'broken' me symbolized by the black column that can be seen through the big loop. 

HSTARC 2: Outline on the UST Main Building

THE UST MAIN BUILDING

I.                    LOCATION

a.      SITE  INFORMATION

                                                              i.      Espana, Manila

II.                 

	ARCHITECT: Rev. Fr. Roque Ruano , O.P.

a.      SHORT BIOGRAPHY

                                                              i.      Spanish priest-civil engineer

                                                            ii.      Most well known project was the UST Main Building

                                                          iii.      a professor in the UST Faculty of Engineering

                                                           iv.      became the Dean of the College and Regent from 1930 to 1935

b.      LIFE  AT THE UNIVERSITY

                                                              i.      transferred to the University of Santo Tomas and was able to obtain a Doctorate in Civil Engineering

III.                MAIN BUILDING

a.      FACTS

                                                              i.      The first earthquake-shock resistant building in the Philippines.

                                                            ii.      The design is consistent with modern building code and regulation.

                                                          iii.      The design was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

b.      DESIGN AND STRUCTURE

                                                              i.      FEATURES

1.      FLOOR PLAN

B.       The 40 separate structures

                                                                                                                                      i.      four corner units

                                                                                                                                    ii.      two midsection units (rear and front entrance)

                                                                                                                                  iii.      one tower (including two elevator cores)

                                                                                                                                   iv.      one entrance canopy

                                                                                                                                     v.      a total of 26 units

1.      seven units for P. Noval side

2.      seven units for Gov. Forbes (now Arsenio H. Lacson) side

3.      six units for Dapitan side

4.      six units for España side

                                                                                                                                   vi.      four middle section

                                                                                                                                 vii.      two stair section adjacent to tower and elevator core

C.      DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE BUILDING

                                                                                                                                      i.

	two interior courtyards

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Museum  

2. FAÇADE/ELEVATIONS

B.      Of Renaissance influence

C.      Doors are flanked by columns carrying an entablature

D.     Pediments above the doors

3.      UST Cross

B.      A symbol of faith thrust up into the skies, the symbol of the hopes and aspirations of a people and a nation -- for prosperity and progress, for service of God and man.

4.      STATUES - symbolizes the spiritual and intellectual aspiration of the university.

  - Designed by the Italian Francesco Monti

B.      Surrounding the clock, the so-called "Tria Haec" are three statues representing, from left to right:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Hope

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Faith (at the top of the clock)

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Charity

C.      To the right of the Tria Haec are theologians and historians:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Saint Augustine

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Raymond of Peñafort, O.P.

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Vincent of Beauvais, O.P

D.     To the right of the theologians and historians, facing Padre Noval Street are the tragedians:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Pedro Calderón de la Barca

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Sophocles

                                                                                                                                  iii.      William Shakespeare

E.      To the left of the Tria Haec are the philosophers:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Aristotle

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Saint Albert the Great

                                                                                                                                  iii.      Plato

F.       To the left of the philosophers and facing Arsenio Lacson Avenue are the playwrights:

                                                                                                                                      i.      Lope de Vega

                                                                                                                                    ii.      Aristophanes

                                                 iii.   Moliere

 c.       HISTORY:

                                                              i.      WORLD WAR 2 INVOLVEMENT

1.      USES OF THE STRUCTURE

- when UST was converted into an internment camp for non-Filipinos, three floors of the building were occupied by the internees.

2.      SIGNIFICANT EVENTS THAT OCCURRED

- Liberation of UST from the Japanese during World War II  celebration

                                                            ii.      OTHER HISTORIC EVENTS

1.      Visited by Pope Paul VI in 1970.

2.      Visited by Pope John Paul II in 1995.

3.      Used when UST was host of  World Youth Day 1995.

d.      USES : THEN AND NOW

                                                              i.      Internment camp during the Japanese occupation.

                                                            ii.      Building where classes were/are held

IV.                FACTS

a.      Focal point of the campus.

V.                  NAMED AS ONE OF ‘NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE’

VI.                CURRENT CONDITION OF THE STRUCTURE

a.      The UST Main Building may not last another century as chemical elements are slowly chipping away at its foundation.

b.      Visual observation of the outside walls of the UST Main Building shows evidence of discoloration, black incrustations, and growth of small plants. The base moldings attached around the Building are chipping off and some rebars have already corroded. Fissures, cracks, and some fractures can also be found inside.

c.       The Main Building is currently experiencing a slow process of deterioration due to its age and environmental changes.

Sources:

-http://wikipedia.org

-The Varsitarian (UST Publication)

-Pictures : Marc Heinrich Go

WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS BUILDING?

 Of all the old famous buildings found here in Manila that we were free to choose from, I picked University of Santo Tomas’ main building because of its history and significance. Every passerby of the university is probably very interested to explore this first and oldest earthquake-proof structure in Manila. The moment I stepped inside UST, I couldn’t help but notice this very old classy building and its cracked unpainted walls. At first, I thought it was a church since it had numerous saint-like statues and a big cross above it, but when I entered I discovered it was just like any other building on campus that held classes inside it.  What I love about this structure is its past-dating back to 78 years ago and was present during the Japanese occupation when the Filipinos were struggling for freedom and justice. Truly it has transcended through time and creates an experience every time you walk through its old halls. The old grand staircase that will greet you as you cross the threshold is very welcoming and as you explore further, your curiosity will be stirred by the numerous staircases that will surprise you. Some may find the interiors of this building spine-chilling but I find it very fascinating and makes me want to just keep wandering through its walls and discover more about it. Recently, it was named as one of the National Cultural Treasures and a UN World Heritage Site. It’s sad to think this structure is slowly deteriorating, giving in to the harshness of the drastic environment changes it experiences yearly. Its preservation will be costly but it is very significant that they continue with it after all, not all universities have such a building to boast about.

I was once a student of the university, and I can say that your UST experience is never complete without entering this historical piece of architecture.