Critical Regionalism_Blogg Entry 7

Critical Regionalism emanates directly from the:
-Landscape
-Culture
-Light
-Materials
-it is Tactile V.S. Visual  





Vernacular Architecture. These are three of examples of architecture that has developed according to the place in which it is. The Igloo was developed in response to the harsh conditions of its place. The Charleston single house was developed because of its simplicity and natural ventilation. The single house has become known to many as the symbol of southern living along side the plantation home. These images are directly tied to the place in which they were taken, just by looking at them you can see what their cultural and environmental response to the surrounding area must be. This is where critical regionalism must start but should be taken into more contemporary terms.


This building is an example of an architect trying to use the idea of critical regionalism by taking into the account of why the single house in Charleston is the way it is and it also tries to mimic the proportions of the surrounding buildings. But one major thing that it was lacking was taking into the culture of the surrounding area. In Charleston historic preservation of the down town area is key to how the city thrives. Yes they may be stuck in the past and they need to begin to approach contemporary architecture in a way other than housing developments it would be helpful if the architect trying to push something new could connect to the culture of the city in a better way.



China and Critical Regionalism.
The Ningbo History Museum looks at regionalism in a new an impacting way. The history museum is made up of actual historic pieces, taking building materials from the ruins found with in the site area is a whole knew way to interpret the use of vernacular materiality.

Critical Regionalism is not just about copying what is there but is about finding the reason behind why the building has been developed in a certain way in an area. It is about looking at how those buildings are used then improving upon past ideas with new technologies and techniques. Looking at the root of the material and developing ideas from the root existence and not just reusing the material to make the building "fit in". Some may think that the layering of materials to make the building appear to blend in with the existing typology of the place is a way in which you can practice regionalism. But whether that is incredibly critical is still something of debate. Really looking at the core of a place and the culture or mediate surroundings is a way in which a building can develop a richness that works for where it is at that moment and not anywhere else in the world. It creates a deeper connection to place.




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