Reading #2 Naturalism

source: http://waterlooarchitecture.com/bridge/blog/2015/10/22/thesis-informal-pattern-language/ 
 The Real Meaning of Architecture 


Christopher Alexander was successful in creating the Julian Street Inn because he implemented a design-build method. This method is about on-site decisions with many people, such as the owners and users. The value of this method is that a beautiful form can blossom if others are engaged with the input- therefore, making the project meaningful. Christopher stated that certain types of processes “can lead to certain types of forms”.


We then moved to read about Christopher Alexander’s New Eishin University in Japan. He used the pattern language for the final design form. This was an 80-page document that was practically rooted in communication. He described this as a “physical, social, and cultural ‘blueprint'” for the entire project. They then moved to making and using a 1:100 physical model as guidance to insert ideas. After that, materials were thought through after studying the site more intensively. 


We then moved to another work of Christopher Alexander- Lake Berryessa, California. He applied "pattern language work" also known as an “intensive discussion with the clients”. Although there were site constraints to build up the project, the solution to this was to observe those constraints and work around them. 


Christopher then talks about the present view of architecture, also known as  "the mainstream theory of architecture”, which has been used since 1920- but it is so fraudulent. It is fraudulent for these reasons: 

  1. Quality is used as a determinant for a successful project;

  2. There is not theory applied to the construction;

  3. It does not consider third world-building or low-cost housing; 

  4. It only applies to some building being built; 

  5. Does not deal with ecological problems; 

  6. Is not factual in its process; 

  7. Does not consider pricing; 

  8. Does not consider human feelings;

  9. Fails to give evidence behind design decisions;

  10. Has not helped to produce aesthetically pleasing buildings;

  11. Has not helped to provide moral leadership;

Unfortunately, this fraudulent theory is still taught in schools.   


But it can be detrimental to an architect when they feel as if they do not have control over some design process and decisions. Christopher believes that they should have some sort of input, but they must also consider and respect the client's input.

A Pattern Language 


Christopher brings up two important books: The Timeless Way of Building (supplies instructions on how to use the patterns) and A Pattern Language (supplies a language for building and planning. Both books come in handy because it helps create a pattern language for a design. 

It is crucial that everyone shares a common pattern language and is made by the users/society. He states one common language in the beginning- The Timeless Way, it can be utilized to improve a town, or to design a home for your family, or to design a public building, and/or utilized as a guide for the construction process.

These languages consist of patterns or are made by patterns. Where each pattern provides both the problem and the solution to that problem (the “heart” of the pattern). The solutions are unusual in a form of instructions. These patterns are strong because they can be applied to any problem. 

There are 253 patterns in total, and they are organized from largest (region/towns) to smallest (details of construction). These patterns work so well because they connect to one another no matter the size. These are also flexible because you can have your own input to it by adding your own solution implemented. 

But we must recognize that these solutions are not perfect or always successful AND that the patterns are only that of hypotheses. They are open to change and improvement.   

The purpose of this is to have people come up with their own pattern language and so that they become aware of what they are capable of creating. Even the smallest amounts of patterns can create a language. 

Christopher then continues to compare these patterns to poetry because these languages can carry different meanings.  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reading #3 Deconstructivism

Image
  IMAGE DESCRIPTION This image conveys the idea that some architects become starchitects by standing out from breaking away from what is typically seen in everyday architecture. But sometimes the goal of being unique can do more damage than good because it becomes less thoughtful and rational. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Uniqueness may create attention- good or bad- but it becomes detrimental for observing architects because it pushes this uncalled-for precedent for architecture.  SUMMARIES Delirious new york Rem Koolhaas This book touches base on Manhattan's inconsistency of character and architectural style. Rem called this phenomenon of inconsistency, “Manhattanism” - a human-made product “to live inside fantasy.” Because of Manhattan's risk to create whatever it wants to create in terms of architecture. This inspired observing architects to take the same risky approach on their work- and it was taken too far.  Manifesto Lebbeus Woods Lebbeus makes it clea...
Read more