Critical Regionalism / Defamiliarization
“The critical function is achieved by bringing about a special cognitive effect on the view which is known as defamiliarization
“The cage-like appearance of the exterior frame is more reminiscent of Gothic structure that it is of skeleton frame and curtain wall.”
Defamiliarization is best described as re-presenting common
things in unfamiliar and strange ways. The Torre Velasca, a tower in Milan, is
used as an example in the reading and is embodied by this idea of
defamiliarization. I had the opportunity to visit this building during my study
abroad semester several years ago. Visually, it sticks out like a sore thumb as
a large tower in a sea of low-rise buildings, but it clearly makes a statement.
However, architecturally, it is a modern representation of a
gothic structure with “buttress-like” structure holding up the enlarged mass at
the top of the building. It is like an extension of the other gothic style
buildings around Milan yet presented in a strange new style.
This structure is fascinating. Its fantastical even and sends my mind down a rabbit hole of 'what ifs'.
ReplyDeleteThe top picture says it all...
Its as through the top mass once sat on the ground, no different than the polite low rise buildings surrounding it. But one day that all changed! The statue calls upon the tower TO RISE!! RISE FROM ANTIQUITY AND BOAST YOUR BEAUTIFULLY BUTTRESSED BELLY!
The building itself isn't terribly remarkable by itself. The fact that it sits on a pedestal, looking over Milan, is what makes it worth looking at.
lol, fun stuff. fun building!
I fully appreciate and embrace the concept of Critical Regionalism - this new language on the basis of the existing one for each specific space. What is interesting for me personally that through most of the buildings associated with Critical Regionalism (CR) I see modernism. Even though they are in juxtaposition ideologically it again shows that without Modernism CR would not be possible. And the example above again confirms this for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I'm sure programatically it is unaffected by its exterior appearance but BOY does it make a statement in an urban environment. As Cody described, she stands tall, hands on her head, hips shifted to one way but her spine is incredibly rigid. Rocking a vintage crop top that she got for a steal at salvation army, she forces all to stare uncomfortably at her muffin top of gothic buttresses.
ReplyDeleteTo me, this works so well because it is an example of critical regionalism that is maintaining its functionality. It is more than an applied feature to the building and serves a purpose to the success of the overall.
ReplyDelete