Regional Feelingism
The idea that stuck with me from Tuesday’s class regarding critical regionalism is that to design
for a region is to design for its inherent attitude over any other influence. Architecture which takes input from and responds to its
context is not necessarily based on structure, topography, aesthetic,
material, climate, etc., but it could find a foundation in any one or
many of those or others. These innumerable elements are merely tools for expressing
the feeling and rhythm of a place which could find materialization in hundreds
of configurations, each telling the story of a region in a different way, pulling from different pieces of the culture.
Looking at a contemporary building and saying, “that looks like it was built in [region],” should have the same connotations
as easily picking out a Frank Gehry design. Global architecture fits anywhere for anyone at
any time. Local architecture, in purposely or inadvertently forming a representative style, stands to receive the same criticism as it
becomes its own mini-world of sameness. Regional architecture can and should be
just as diverse within a region as it is among regions while still maintaining
a “feel” for a place.
The South’s neighborly traditions and the idea
of the front porch are ubiquitous in its architectural conversations. The repeated, literal carrying out of this traditional design element lacks a creative and contemporary drive
that gives architecture purpose. Founders Hall in Charleston by Liollio takes
the more abstract idea of a welcoming atmosphere and expresses it through long
sight lines, materials, voids, and landscaping to provide controlled
views and lead the user comfortably and easily to the entrance. The design
takes into consideration historical and present contexts to
snuggle into its area of Charleston while taking pride in its
unique interpretation of what it means to inhabit it. A successful regionalism
is felt, not only seen, and there are many vessels which lead to the
heart.
https://hitsfromthefiredome.wordpress.com/
Founders Hall, Charles Towne Landing; liollio.com
https://hitsfromthefiredome.wordpress.com/
Founders Hall, Charles Towne Landing; liollio.com
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ReplyDeleteI believe that you are correct when you say that a successful regionalism is felt; true regionalist architecture should imbue the sense of the place. This can be done with all the elements that Frampton states, but using these elements as a checklist of sorts almost devalues the possible profundity of regionalist design. It runs the risk of creating a 'sameness', as you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that regionalist architecture should be just as distinct as "global architecture." Without having assortment, everything starts to look the same, and there are so many ways architecture can be regionalistic, but still diverse.
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