The “Ideal” Commission
“We still feel the ideal commission is one that allows us to
do the chair as well as the urban context.”
-John Habraken
This quote relates to the topics of control and design for
the user. Personally, I do not like the idea of an “ideal” commission that
allows us to design everything, including the chairs and the placement of them.
I believe it allows us to assume too much control of the image of the building
rather than allowing it to become a space that is activated and established by
the user that occupies it.
Actions like these create environments that are essentially
untouchable spaces created for and by the architecture, rather than a space established
for the purpose and intention of being used.
I thought the same thing when we watched that video! I've been to the Getty and while it was magnificent, it did feel untouchable, like you put it. And personally I tend to remember things more when I feel any sort of ownership or investment. In buildings such as this, it is something to admire from afar but one where you can never really feel completely comfortable. I wonder what would it be like if there wasn't a security guard around every corner or if every flower wasn't perfectly aligned with the one next to it?
ReplyDeleteI think this is an interesting discussion- architects as megalomaniacs. Though it seems as if times are changing and the starchitect is fading out. With an emphasis on user experience, outcomes, and general cultural happiness, I think architects are trying to zoom-out and have less direct control.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think architects need to take a step back and allow the people who are actually going to be using the space, transform it in the way that works for them. I do agree with the post above, that architects do seem to have more of an emphasis on user experience and designing space that facilities what the users need and want.
ReplyDelete