Background architecture
Nowadays what people see as good architecture is the one that stands out "Too bad nobody wants to do a background building".
But what I see as successful architecture, is actually of high quality. One that works with it's environment, one that evolves, that can adapt over time and continues to exist with the same quality; contrary to the idea of architecture being a "stone in the midst of running water".
Good architecture is successful not only in its design but in it's resolution despite the constraints (or thanks to the constraints). It is one where control is dispersed, and communication is well established within the parties involved. A collective of people with great skills in their field will produce a better result than one person that is really skilled in one field and mediocre in all others.
Background buildings define the fabric of a city. They are one of the most important pieces of architecture. Let us take for example the Eixample blocks in Barcelona, we can consider them background buildings but I would say that (in picture below) The Eixample and The Sagrada Familia are both equally Significant in defining the area and city fabric. Same would go for the Charleston Singles.
Background buildings define the fabric of a city. They are one of the most important pieces of architecture. Let us take for example the Eixample blocks in Barcelona, we can consider them background buildings but I would say that (in picture below) The Eixample and The Sagrada Familia are both equally Significant in defining the area and city fabric. Same would go for the Charleston Singles.
Agreed! There's something to this that is reminiscent to what we've been doing in Charleston. I know there are some out there that question the act of one architecture students building and two "just doing a pavilion". But it's more than that. The consideration for how something works for you as a designer or those in the community observing is very important in participation. But it's also important in the simplest form: life's needs and everyday events. The people we serve and uplift with these structures benefit greatly and its a HUGE part of their daily life. With our help we're able to take "just a pavilion" and make it beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAs architects we can better shape the everyday lives of people just by creating small pavilions such as those Audrey mentioned. I don't think there is a place for EVERYTHING to be designed, but I think there is a beauty in the environment being developed to assist with everyday activities.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your examples of the Eixample and the Sagrada Familia. I think that while monumental buildings are beautiful and can help with a city or neighborhoods identity that the background buildings are more important. The background buildings are the true fabric of a community and work together to create and connect space.
ReplyDeleteI think that the reason that both the Eixample and the Charleston single houses work so well is because they identify with the surroundings. These typologies have come to understand the context that they reside in. Just like you mentioned, the background buildings gives the place its identity in truly taking advantage of their surroundings.
ReplyDeleteI really like the examples you bring up of the Eixample and the Sagrada Familia and the Charleston single houses. I think the reason why they are both so successful is because the background buildings really respond to the needs of the community and identify well their surroundings at the same time. The Sagrada Familia wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for the background buildings, or city blocks, that give its significance which reminds me of Kevin Lynch's Image of the City and the concept of districts and landmarks.
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