Regionalism is a topic that has historically had an ever moving definition. From Critical Regionalism, its clear of its ever changing past. The term seems to loosely define anyone trying to connect to a specific location in any way. The authors Liane Lefaivre and Alexander Tzonis speak of the formal picturesque gardens of the English and the way the new romantic gardens tried to represent an opposition to traditional formalism by channeling the area's pastoral roots. Yet, at the end of the day, both moved earth and plants in an equal manner. The authors elaborate on a seemingly endless amount of these examples, the Gothic style, the classical orders and their origins and uses and even shared decorative details.
What each example seems to have in common however, is a desire to identify with some sort of deep down past association. They go on to identify that we've moved towards something called "critical regionalism" which they define as "the critical function is achieved by bringing about a special cognitive aesthetic on the viewer which is known as de-familiarization".
My personal interpretation of this is to design in a way that makes people ask "what is that?" and upon a closer look, they are able to identify very personally with an aspect of the design. It is not kitschy or obvious, but rather a familiar material or item presented in a new way. There is always a moment of curiosity between the object, art or architecture and the observer. A need to go touch or feel it to truly know it. This way of designing is thoughtful, complex and difficult to do. If architecture could better connect to occupants, observers, passerby's in this way, I think the value of what we do as architects for the public would increase immensely.
I completely agree with your thoughts on critical regionalism. By creating awareness and engaging the community, they too are encouraged to think about how they too can build their solutions. Whether it’s exploring new uses for a local material or a new design approach, these will inevitably push for advancement in the local built environment. Just as the Bourgeois achieved in landscaping advancement.
ReplyDeleteAn architect's ability to draw in passerbys is something I feel we think we are accomplishing, but at times we actually are not. Especially with the lower photos you included, will someone actually understand the intent of these small sculptures like pieces of architecture? Or is it viewed as "cool" but yet "confusing". Sometimes the most obvious way to express architectural intent gets lost once it is experienced by someone who wasnt working on the project for hours on end.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to understand the local context within which we work to draw from its specificities and then in turn place a modern twist on them that is still recognizable by the people truly takes talent and makes for very thoughtful and engaging architecture as you said. It helps us in creating a renewed sense of place without simply replicating the past. This concept of defamiliarization is what really distinguishes critical regionalism from other forms of regionalism.
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