Make it Right
Every week my stances on architecture become more developed, as we go through the readings. I have found out most recently that a core belief I have had for a while now, has finally been defined in my mind as critical regionalism. I have had the belief that vernacular study is extremely important to the modern typologies we are designing, and that ultimately although vernacular may be nodding towards a traditionalist mindset, it is always adapting and evolving.
Lets take any example of a vernacular typology.
Charleston has the single-house. It has a private porch on the S/SW side of the house to allow passive ventilation into the structure. It has practical roots, but it is mimicked for appearance today. This vernacular, while important, is not THE ONLY vernacular of this region. Going back to native roots that vernacular is widely different.
The question really becomes whether or not vernacular actually means anything other than a style from a period of time. Yes vernacular is the idea of getting it right and for good reason, but what do we do to make critical regionalism right in the face of globalization? Is globalization just going to layer its efforts on top of critical regionalism, thus further 'enhancing' the idea of what vernacular is? Maybe so, but Make it Right.
Ian,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how you brought up the Charleston single house. Your post aligns with Jessica's a lot in how Charleston as a city for example approves and denies certain buildings to enter their historic fabric. I think there are so many good and bad things wrong with how the BAR for example goes about approving buildings in Charleston. Some of it in my option is very biased and ultimately comes down to the opinion of the board. I have seen many cases that follow the guidelines, but also strive to think out of the box and provide something new to the city, and it's turned down because one person on the board is stuck in their old ways. There are good and bad things to these boards and I think we need to hone in on the good and how it can provide for the public while also growing the city into the future.
Ian,
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that you found this week's topic of Critical Regionalism inspiring. From our own conversations, I get a sense that this path, or a path adjacent to it, is what you'll probably be following. This week was huge for me to in understanding the difference between "vernacular" and "regionalism". It also helped me understand how we use the vernacular. How we avoid sentimentality. I see you likely feel the same way.