What the duck?
Architectural Ducks
The phrase, which was coined by Denise Scott Brown, Robert Venturi, and Steven Izenour and used to describe buildings that embed their function into their very fabric, is from their seminal book Learning from Las Vegas. They distinguished utilitarian buildings with decorative signage from the more typical "decorated sheds," or architectural ducks. In the years following World War II, ducks were common along American roadside. The new interstate highway system, which coincided with the development in the car culture, made it crucial for businesses to communicate advertising and purpose quickly.
I find pleasure in the ducks and approve of them with limitations. It could be overwhelming if all buildings were treated as ducks. Imagine main street America with every storefront popping out at your with grand, literal gestures. I would find this appealing to witness on a daily basis. On the other hand, place such as Las Vegas thrive with duck architecture. Now imagine Las Vegas without any of these ducks. Sin City now becomes main Street America which does not appeal to the exciting and thrilling nightlife that appears in Las Vegas. There is a excitement that comes with duck architecture that can be empowering or hindering depending on the context. That being said if I were driving down the highway and saw a building that looked like a duck, I certainly would take notice of that building while completely ignoring a shed. There is beauty to be seen in the shed which does not beck in our attention, but it creates the background in which the duck quacks in your face.
One thing I have always thought of is whether or not over time, a shed can become a duck. In our world of the construction of "pop" architecture, certain buildings from brands have become immediately identifiable. Take for example, a Walmart or similar chain (like you would see driving down the highway). Originally, I would say these spaces are like the shed - simply a warehouse with a sign attached. However, it is clear they have now developed a style with a specific aesthetic; so much so that appearance acts as the duck, where you immediately know the experience to expect.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of the duck is how I view government buildings. They all give off a style that we have learned to understand from pattern. When you drive down Tiger Blvd, you can distinguish what is a bank by the white, tall columns. This style may not be as literal as a duck or a hotel shaped like New York City, but there is something to be said about the way people can start to identify a usage of a space by the shape of the exterior.
ReplyDeleteI always thought it was interesting how we create this typology of architectural ducks for storefronts as advertisement. I agree that it depends on the context, where architectural ducks thrive in Las Vegas compared to your local downtown stores. But part of me wonders what if we used architectural ducks for more important programs such as healthcare facilities like hospitals, surgical centers, and mental health clinics? I dont know what the architectural duck might look like but I am wondering if this would increase personal health as these facilities could advertise themselves to be easier to find, or give the passersby the thought to check on themselves. Just a thought.
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