Testing Ground
Informal spaces have increasingly become significant in the field of architecture as a creative occupation and have offered architects the opportunity to experiment with new and alternative approaches to design. While informal spaces are not traditionally used for architectural purposes, these spaces do provide architects with a blank canvas and serve as a testing ground for new materials, construction techniques, and technologies. This is done and seen in a number of ways whether through creation of temporary installations, development of community-driven design projects, or a platform for architectural activism. These methods help to activate unused spaces/create a sense of community engagement, involve collaboration with local residents, meet the needs of community, raise awareness of social and political issues, and advocate for change.
Le Corbusier's Quarter Fruges in the city of Pessac, France is a unique example of how informal spaces can be transformed into a creative occupation. This project is a residential neighborhood that has become a hub of artistic and cultural activity and was designed to provide a high quality of life for its residents. Over the years, the residents have added their own unique touches to the architecture, creating a vibrant mix of styles. A few of the ways this was done was through street art, public spaces, and transforming their own homes into creative spaces. These moves have become either tourist attractions or gathering spaces for festivals, art and cultural events (artistic/cultural hub). With the ever evolving role of architects and design, neighborhoods like Quarter Fruges will emerge and provide a platform for creativity and community engagement.
Maura,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post. Le Corbusier's Quarter Fruges is such an interesting example. The thing that confuses me is how architects can design for this to happen. I think the informal, and casual public space that is created by informal architecture is obviously so real and authentic. But how can you design something that can only come about on its own from the users?
Maura,
ReplyDeleteDo you think that allowing the users change the building is a good or bad thing? I think it could be better if the building was well designed and visually interesting could promote artistic thinking. If the intent behind this design was to promote creativity, I think this intent could be met without allowing the users to disfigure the building. To me this seems like the easy way out of the architect.
In response to Taylor's comment, I agree. I have struggled with this idea of giving people freedom to design a blank canvas and the architect designing a space with more boundaries and constraints. I am curious is this is a cultural difference. In the US we are so used to being handed a home with it all programmed out for us, but I wonder if this is different in other cultures.
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