Getting Lost
One of the topics we probably discuss (or claim to discuss) most frequently throughout our education is the implementation and importance of wayfinding in our designs. Make a space too isolated or invisible, and its impossible for the occupant to find it. Make it stand out too much and it takes the element of discovery out of the project. Much research goes into the design and production of wayfinding devices and methods. The idea of influencing the direction of future users seems infatuating, and I feel feeds the architects ego of control.
However, Koolhaas makes claims in his article Junkspace, "Who would dare to claim responsibility for this sequence? The idea that a profession once dictated, or at least presumed to predict, people's movements now seems laughable, or worse: unthinkable." From his standpoint, as long as we are designing and contributing to the condition of Junkspace, we have entirely lost the control over the path. Rather than design for a destination, we design to confuse and obscure, leaving people to wander through the capitalist landscape. I believe it is important that we consider the impact our smallest choices in design are making, because overall, they can be the difference between designing a useful space - and designing junkspace.
Hayden,
ReplyDeleteIs it the architects duty to tell the users how to use or move through a building? Should we leave room for exploration and allowing the users to make the building their own? The building is no longer owned or directed by the architect once it is turned over to the owner and users. Or should architects be designing to control the space? How can we control human behavior through architecture? If we do, can it be more harmful than good?
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI think you are asking the right questions, but with that, I dont think it should be only architects to answer those questions. Whether we like it or not, our profession is successful through collaboration with other professionals. Our clients, the experts that we work with will guide us to a solution through design.