Architects need wise restriction
Previously, I always think the restrictions, such as the zoning ordinance, building code, have more negative influence on architects than the positive ones because they stop architects from being creative. However, I start thinking this question from another perspective.
As what Theodore Dalrymple said in his book called The Architect as Totalitarian, Le Corbusier who is the pioneer of the modernism is totalitarian. Dalrymple has a strong accusation for an architect whose designs were decisive for the form of mass-production housing built in the post-war period. From the image of Radiant City by Corbusier, we can see the high-rise buildings and public green space. However, there is no doubt that all the riots occurred in the modernist high-rise neighborhoods without exception as Wouter Vanstiphout said in It's the architect's fault. The riots happened in France are good examples in this case.
Finally, I would love to come to the conclusion that the restrictions telling architects what are not allowed to do are truly crucial. Hence, architects should have a positive attitude to these restrictions, because most architects do have enough knowledge on city life or urban life. Besides, I hope city planner or urban designer can set more wise restrictions.
As what Theodore Dalrymple said in his book called The Architect as Totalitarian, Le Corbusier who is the pioneer of the modernism is totalitarian. Dalrymple has a strong accusation for an architect whose designs were decisive for the form of mass-production housing built in the post-war period. From the image of Radiant City by Corbusier, we can see the high-rise buildings and public green space. However, there is no doubt that all the riots occurred in the modernist high-rise neighborhoods without exception as Wouter Vanstiphout said in It's the architect's fault. The riots happened in France are good examples in this case.
Finally, I would love to come to the conclusion that the restrictions telling architects what are not allowed to do are truly crucial. Hence, architects should have a positive attitude to these restrictions, because most architects do have enough knowledge on city life or urban life. Besides, I hope city planner or urban designer can set more wise restrictions.
Restrictions are definitely placed for a reason usually based of things that have failed or succeeded in the past. They are simply intended to protect what is existing which makes great sense and helps a lot but it could also potentially prevent change that could improve it. However, there is no way to know anything up front so they can only do their best to protect.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, I totally stand by your standpoint. After realizing what you said, I think that what I need to do is being familiar with those restrictions and avoiding the mistake made previously. Then, more important, the most ideal status is absorb them as part of me and take use of them unconciously during the design process.
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