THEDES 2: On the New Modern...

             In our Theories of Architecture class, we were made to read about the different theories and manifestoes of BIG architects. As I began reading, I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t go through with reading the next manifesto unless I read the previous one 1245678910times. I admit, there were a lot of times I got lost in reading thus made me want to give up and just do away with the Xerox copy. But I knew I had to continue cause who knows what great things I can extract from it. And I was right. It opened my eyes to the different aspects of architecture today. And here’s what I think…

Upon reading the different manifestoes I have been introduced to new ideas and points of views that helped broaden my understanding of today’s modern architecture. Today, there are a lot of architects competing and striving to show the world who they really are through the structures they design. Different philosophies, different ideas that stir to create the society we now live in. These structures reflect their soul, which makes them unique and noteworthy.  20^th century architects seek to create something unconventional and have a constant need to step away from the norm. They never settle for ‘ok’, instead work hard and struggle for the ‘wow’. Safe is a term they never consider for it’s like they’re being contained in a box thus confines their output. I‘ve realized that sometimes I tend to limit my ideas because of me thinking ‘this one cannot be, it’s impossible’. But I learned through these manifestoes that every design, as long as it satisfies you is indeed possible.  Many of these architects want us to see architecture in a different perspective. To view their works not just as a structure but to delve into its substance, not only to see but to feel its soul. How I wish these kinds of architects exist here in our country. Structures I see around the metro aren’t very impressive and lack the modern touch I admire in structures overseas. Maybe Filipino architects play it safe when it comes to the design process. This makes me wonder, when will our structures start to evolve?

Among the different manifestoes of these architects, my favorite is Coop Himmelblau’s Architecture Must Blaze and The Future of Splendid Desolation. I like Himmelblau’s ‘hate for the old’ letting the past be past and his constant want for something new. Modern architects like him inspire me to always create something different far from the norm. I quote him, “We want architecture to have more. Architecture that bleeds, that exhausts, that whirls and even breaks.”, “Expressions like ‘safe and sound’ are no longer applicable to architecture.”  Architecture is very broad, and it is up to you how you want it to be, whether it has a function or not. Will Alsop’s Towards an Architecture of Practical Delight was also striking to me. “Rely on your own experience. Look to yourself.”The design process involves you and your inspiration. We get our inspiration from our past experiences, good or bad, and this influences our final outcome. A single idea, a concept evolves and becomes more complicated as you progress; leaving others to decode its essence themselves thus making it open to criticisms. It is never right to solely consider others in the design process, there must always be the YOU in it.  I have been a fan of Daniel Libeskind the moment his work The Jewish Museum in Berlin was introduced to me. Learning more about the soul of this building made me love architecture even more. The power we architects (future architect, for me) have on people amazes me. Yes, architects are paid to create beautiful structures but it is never limited to just that, we’re free to play with the form as long as it serves the function. What differentiates this particular work of Libeskind to other’s is how it is able to affect people emotionally. Also, Libeskind always explores geometry-the random forms that can be contructed/deconstructed which is truly translated in his structures.  Peter Eisenman and Mark Wigley’s manifestoes defines what deconstructivism really is-how our original ideas can be fragmented and turned into a bigger, broader idea. Deconstructivists do not simply demolish/fragment but delve into the deeper sense of the structure and then distort it. A truly successful deconstructed structure is able to expose what is hidden and unfamiliar to the accustomed one people have been used to seeing. Zaha Hadid being known as an avant-garde architect, discussed Randomness and Arbitrariness which resulted to her very unique and sensational works. “It is that revision and the absolute need for inventiveness, imagination and interpretation that makes our role in architecture more valid.”

            Each of these architects discussed how they think architecture is to be practiced which to me when compared is very different from each other and that makes each of them exceptional. We architects are expected to have our own views during our design process; to be unique. As a student new to all of these, I am striving to define what architecture really is for me. And my philosophy is yet to be finalized. Right now my ideas are very random and are very dependent on my emotions. Yes, I do have my preferences when it comes to forms but its definition still isn't clear to me. So as I go through this process of discovering myself, I hope to come up with a very unique one, just like the aforementioned.

HSTARC 2 : On Renaissance Architecture

As gothic architecture began to wear-off, different forms of classicism came into the picture. After the turmoil the Middle Ages brought to them, they started evolving into the renaissance period also known as their ‘rebirth’, the re-establishing of ancient classical culture. The transformation began in Italy, when artists began to revive ancient Greek and Roman art thus resulting to a classical revolution in painting, sculpture and architecture. Their style of architecture appeared to have changed along with people’s lifestyle.

People started to have an interest in the importance of humanity. They acknowledged the fact that people can bring something worthwhile to society. This human-based approach together with studies of geometrical perspective and proportions resulted to the birth of a breathtaking architectural style. They started going back to the basics, examining the past and altering it a bit to fit their taste and style. The writings of Vitruvius served as their guide in rebuilding Europe which was truly a big help in their development after the ruin of the past structures. They studied these and worked on the improvements with the application of geometry plus the use of perspective, and possible renovation all according to their own uses. The innovation of printing was also born in this period, wherein artists/architects started publishing their ideas and works which proved to be very useful for the later periods. Leon Battista Alberti, a great architect, mathematician, and painter published books which covered subjects from plans and structures to ornament and the orders. His books also promoted ideas such as Decorum (building in a manner appropriate to a structure’s purpose) and civitas (civilization based on the city).

This whole focus on classicism and proportions which transformed architecture was started by Filippo Brunelleschi in Italy. He designed the famous great dome of the Florence Cathedral - a combination of Gothic and Ancient Greek style. Brunelleschi’s designs inspired many other architects that used his ideas as a basis for their own showing how great Brunelleschi’s impact is to architecture. Michelosso di Bartolomeo, a student of Brunelleschi, and Guiliano do Sangallo both his followers were able to design such magnificent structures like the Palazzo Medici which reflected the traditional architecture of domestic buildings, wherein the general appearance of different storeys in a building had different facades- a solution could have only been reached through the intense study of classical ruins (Again, this shows how the past periods affect the following ones).

‘ ...the harmony and concords of all the parts achieved in such a manner that nothing could be added or taken away or altered except for the worse.’ – Alberti

       

     The Renaissance was indeed a period of great architectural, artistic, and scientific achievement thus resulting to confidence and ambition-the constant struggle for perfection and originality. 

THEDES 2 : A critique of the PPT

Included in the first batch of structures shown were the Shanghai World Financial Center, Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Petronas Towers, Burj Al Arab, Beijing National Stadium and the Beijing National Aquatics Center. These structures as discussed in class are Iconic. All of which are very familiar to all, as they became the landmarks of different countries/cities. Although, I also observed that the architects of these buildings aren’t well associated with their works. I myself had to research as to who were the people behind these magnificent buildings I’ve been seeing everywhere for years now. Unlike the later 2 batches shown in the powerpoint, wherein the Architects of each structure was very well associated with it. 

The second and third batch of pictures was comprised of the Allen Lambert Galleria by Santiago Calatrava, Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre by Renzo Piano, and the Centre Pompidou by Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano and Gianfranco Franchini. These three are my favorites among the many. What I liked about Santiago Calatrava’s Allen Lambert Galleria is the fact that is was situated in the middle of two structures, and even if it had limited space it still looked spacious and inviting. Moving on to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, at first I really liked how the structures looked like and how they were positioned. The very good aesthetics also played an important role in the structures’ soul as it was dedicated to Jean Marie Tjibaou who died fighting for the natives. The 10 ‘Great Houses’ which differ in size represent the different tribes and hierarchies. Rogers Piano and Franchini made sure that these structures would embody the Kanak tribes. The last structure I liked was the Centre Pompidou. At first look, I wasn’t really impressed with the aesthetics since it looked like an unfinished simple glass box. But after our discussion and a few readings on the said structure, I loved it. The building was futuristic inside and out, very welcoming due to its transparency which also allows the building to interact with the world outside-characteristic structures here in our country lack.

Allen Lambert Galleria

Jean-Marie Tjibao Cultural Center

Centre Pompidou / Pompidou Center

Among the structures shown in the PowerPoint presentation, my favorite is the modern reconstructed Reichstag Dome by Norman Foster. Norman Foster was able to give the simple dome more meaning, the government for the people. Not only did Foster focus on the aesthetics of the dome but he put essence into it. The dome was able to show that the people are above the government through the transparent see through debating chamber of the German parliament right below it. What I like about it is not only is it a dome but it allowed people to interact with it and in it. Also, this glass dome is environmentally friendly which makes the reconstruction of this dome even more successful, an energy efficient architectural masterpiece of today. 

Reichstag Dome

HSTARC 2 : On Gothic Architecture

              Gothic architecture was born in the year 1144AD from the Romanesque but was able to develop and create its own unique style. The transition from Romanesque to Gothic was revolutionary. We must take note that what binds these two styles is their purpose, which was to spread Christianity. These two styles were born during the time when Europe had a very large interest in religion. Gothic architecture was altered slightly as it spread from one country to another. Each one had its idea of what a cathedral must look like, the French focused on height, while the English on its length. But Italy begged to differ and did not accept Gothic architecture. Gothic architecture got its name during the Italian renaissance when people considered structures of the middle ages barbaric thus associated with savage Goths.

             Gothic architecture started off with the building of Abby church of St. Denis. The Benedictine abbot Suger wanted a new and impressive structure, so tall it seemed to reach the heavens and a building that everyone would remember. This structure impressed people thus Gothic style quickly spread. And since no city would let others outdo their churches, they aimed to build theirs longer, higher, and more stunning. Since the people during the Gothic period were depressed and experiencing poverty issues, the cathedrals became a place of cooperation and faith. The high ceilings gave them the feeling of enthusiasm and inspiration. The vaulted ceilings more importantly emphasized a connection to heaven and to God.

                While Romanesque architecture was designed for protective purposes, Gothic worked for a more artistic approach thus used thinner walls. It was during the Gothic period when there was an avid use of flying buttresses which solved the problem of support during the Romanesque period.  Unlike the Romanesque structures wherein windows were very small and few, in Gothic structures windows were very important.  They had a lot of huge stained glass windows which depicted biblical figured. These took them months to complete because of their intricate designs. Although hundreds of windows were present, not much light entered the structures cause of the colored glass. The ribbed vault was widely used in this period and was essential to Gothic architecture. It gave builders flexibility of design and construction that wasn’t possible with the groin and barrel vault plus it was stronger and easier to construct. A unique design Gothic cathedrals had were the statues of Gargoyles which they believed helped to ward off evil spirits and served as rain spouts. One good example of a Gothic (revival) structure here in Manila is the Basilica of San Sebastian. The interior of the church displays groined vaults, stained glass windows can be found all over the walls.

Gargoyles found at the Ulm Munster, Germany. The tallest Gothic church in Germany.

The Ulm Munster, Germany

Yes, they're the gargoyles from Disney film Hunchback of Notre Dame. :-) Apparently the film features Notre Dame de Paris, a  Gothic church in Paris, France. The book The Hunchback of Notre-Dame portrays the Gothic era as one of extremes of architecture and religion. 

Basilica of San Sebastian, Manila 

I’ve come to realization, that culture and society really did play an important role in the structures of each period. Society itself was translated in the architectural style.

HSTARC 2 : On Romanesque Architecture

As I’ve discussed in my presentation, Europe has produced Very wide variety of distinct styles but Romanesque architecture was the first one to spread across Europe since the Roman Empire. Romanesque structures is said to belong to a category of architecture known today as picturesque –so named for the elements that comprise a pleasing painting.

Romanesque Architecture was very much influenced by religion and as a result, this period was able to produce such stupendous cathedrals, churches and basilicas. As religion, the crusades and pilgrims spread, the architectural style went with it. I noticed some distinct characteristics that can be observed from Romanesque structures, and these are the its thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin vaults, large towers and decorative arcading which were later on developed in the periods after. Functional planning and building skills improved during this period so they made sure each space had a particular use. They also gave importance to symmetry and proportion which is evident in their structures. It was in this period when people started using stone for ceilings instead of the simple wood which made it possible for them to create vaults which is one of the most important structural developments of the era and even became a major innovation in architectural features through the later centuries. The thick walls of their structures made them sturdy and able to stand till today. Only small windows can be used due to the weight of the stone ceiling to keep the walls as strong as possible. They had a wide variety of columns as well, infused the normal columns used during the Roman period with ornaments. The Romanesque church had an average height, but they aimed to build higher ones and encountered support problems which will be solved in the Gothic period.

Here in the Philippines, although our cathedrals are pretty much a mix of different architectural styles, we know that the Romanesque is the pioneer period of the creation of the great churches and cathedral. Although smaller compared to those in Europe, a good example would be the Cathedral Basilica of La Imaculada Concepcion, more popularly known as the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral which is one of the closest to Romanesque you will find in the country.  You can observe from the picture below that it has a symmetrical plan, ribbed vaults, corinthian columns, two aisles, transepts, an apse behind the altar and has small windows, and carvings on  the doors which depict biblical scenes.

After reading about Romanesque architecture, I hit me more how past periods affect the next. I admire how well thought of their buildings are. Not only did they consider the functions of their structures and the spaces within, but also the aesthetics which to me are magnificent. It’s very admirable how well defined their structures are. Not only did it have very good aesthetics but had remarkable quality. They built structures that lasted hundreds of years that continue to awe men.

THEDES 2: BLOG2

MYPod - DESPRN MIDTERM PROJECT

OUR PHILOSOPHY:

Using architecture to show the symphony of Pulchritude and utilitarianism.

OUR CONCEPT:

Sophisticated Metamorphosis

DESIGN CONCEPT:

The Butterfly Spectacle

WORKING CONCEPT

Transparency

Efficiency

THEDES2: MANIFESTO #2

My view of architecture hasn’t changed and just like what I’ve said in my first manifesto, I still enjoy the challenges each project faces me with. I want to be able to combine different forms to create aesthetically unique structures that can speak and affect humanity whilst assisting their needs. We as architects speak through our designs. I believe that form and function must always go together, neither one overtaking the other. After taking up Design Principles, I can say I’ve matured as an architecture student compared to how I was before entering this school. I’ve learned a couple of things which I know will be very useful in the future. I became more open to the different twists and turns in the design of our structures. I learned that no design is impossible, and that in the design process it’s always a trial and error so we should never be afraid to make mistakes while we are learning. This term, I know it wouldn’t be a smooth ride for me. But I’ll make it a point that I have fun, enjoy and absorb everything I learn.