Lessons in Constraints
In the strain of critical regionalism, it is a key ideology that a main focus of any architecture endeavor should be a strong focus on the site. I was lucky enough in my undergraduate studies to have several courses taught by W.G. Clark, an notable architect in the field of critical regionalism. Throughout the course of his classes, one particular quote or lesson has stood out to me: "The best projects are the ones which work up against and with their constraints."
Prof. Clark showed us these ideas through the processes of his own work. At the Middleton Inn, the site was not leveled to exclusively house the hotel. Rather, after a critical analysis of the topography, a particular ridgeline was selected that the project could then respond to formally. Materials, such as the concrete block and stucco, were chosen to resist the overall climate of Charleston. The the accentuating colors, like Charleston Green, are deeply rooted in the cities cultural history. Overall, it is a distinctly modern composition with a distinct Charleston identity. It is a clear display of the lesson of constraints.
To me, this lesson could apply across a wide array of applications and situations. With building code and ADA, these are specific guidelines (unless prescriptive) that allow architects to develop the building creatively to meet the overall performance. When tackling the idea of critical regionalism, this concept would best apply in considering the conditions of the site. One of the biggest "failures" of the modern movement was how their buildings and plans interfaced with the existing environment. Most of these architects looked at the built environment as a blank slate that could be best approached by being wiped clean. And this mindset has infiltrated the overall profession, as there are few projects that don't begin by completely leveling the site to match the final vision.
This not to say that leveling the site cannot be done, but when it is the selected approach when there were other options, that is the issue. When a building responds to its conditions, whether slope, material, light, sound, wind, etc., it begins to make a much more interesting composition. It would be worth it to learn some lessons from our constraints.
Hayden,
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, critical regionalism is a type of architecture that values the culture, environment, and history of a site. Architects using this approach create structures that fit into their surroundings, use the site's unique features, and develop better projects. The lesson of constraints is a big part of this approach, as it encourages architects to work within the site's limitations to develop creative designs.
I think constraints are essential for many architectural projects, including those that need to follow building codes or ADA regulations. By taking the specific conditions of a site into account, architects can create designs that look good and work well for the people who will use them. It's important to use the limitations of a site as a starting point for coming up with new and interesting ideas.
I like your example, Hayden. Constraints deliver exciting designs. Constraints push the architects and designers to be creative and come up with solutions that work best for that context/situation. Going off of the example, If all we have to do is grade the site flat and build a box on top of it, we aren't designers. We are mere production machines. Every architect is a critical regionalist in a sense.
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