Why?
In class this week we discussed critical regionalism and praised the ideals of Kenneth Frampton. What is regionalism we were asked? While many gave definitions of what we thought it was, a notion that stood out to me was that its not replicating the past of a region or place but dissecting the buildings of the past and asking WHY? Why did they choose these materials, Why did they use this structure, Why did this style of architecture work for the time and place it was designed in?
In Charleston specifically, there is a very rich history and a very unique architectural style. But in Charleston, there are a lot of buildings marked with big red Xs. Having lived and worked in Charleston, I am no longer convinced that this idea of regionalism or the culture of a place exists there anymore. You can see it in some aspects if you look closely, but generally, what I hear is that the B.A.R. is making it hard for innovation for Architects working there. They have gotten into a funk of building replicas to match what the facade of old buildings looked like and not the concepts behind which those buildings were built on. The architecture of Charleston today does not ask Why?
Michaela, I think that you are on to something here, during undergrad-- I spent a semester in Charleston and attended many BAR meetings during that time. I think that innovation is something that specifically cannot be done in Charleston unless you personally know people that can get it passes by the BAR, honestly Charleston plays the role of a 'good ole boy' town (said the prof I had that semester). I don't think that the architecture of Charleston asks 'why' because they know that they just can't be innovative and get things passed. Seems backwards.
ReplyDeleteHi Michaela, I agree that critical regionalism means understanding why they create something like this rather than replicating the past of the place and region. It seems to protect the local culture, but, to a certain point, it will hinder the development of society and technology.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have not lived in Charleston, I know some architectural information about that. I feel it leads the city to a tourist place more than developing it healthily.
Michaela,
ReplyDeleteIts so hard to innovate to the point where its almost impossible and the fact that it is forces architects to jump through hoops and turn to political stances to try and get their building constructed which can be both detrimental to the construction but also the other architects/ city. This needs to be addressed by the BAR and a change is needed.