Journal 5
Belgian architect, Victor Horta’s design intrigued me the most. He was able to establish the Art Nouveau movement with his remarkable work. From the Tassel House done in 1892 to1893 in Brussels and the House of the People done in 1896 to 1900. The way he was able to design the Tassel House in a way that uses all areas of the space is interesting because of how narrow the shape was. I was inspired by his design because of his way of interpreting Art Nouveau. I’ve always been interested in the way how architecture can show fluidity through organic shapes. This provides somewhat a softer setting giving a different message in space. Also, the ability to show movement in his design even with utilizing solid materials such as iron and glass. The stairs specifically clearly gives this example. Looking at the design of the stairs reminds me of musical movements. He was able to display this feature while providing structure is what establishes the Art Nouveau movement. Another aspect of this design that influenced me is how the outer design creates a contrast with the design inside. The outside provides contrast because of its solid structure displaying no fluidity or movement.
I’ve always had an interest in where how the outside of a space gives contrast compared to the inside giving a different perspective. The way the outside can be traditional while the inside can give a unique design and message to the audience. The fluidity and continuous flow in the design and being able to create movement while breaking barriers that are horizontal and vertical is what made his design remarkable. I believe this allows the audience to interact with the space differently. This is because of how the design stimulates differently compared to traditional designs.
Reading Questions:
Ahmed Zaib Khan Mahsud Rethinking Doxiadis
- How did Doxiadis’ Ecumenopolis vision of addressing issues of sustainability transform modernist ideas?
- Why was scale and time the central of the development in Doxiadis’ approach in synthesis?
Frank Lloyd Wright Living City 1
- Why must architecture see civic life in terms of such human economic freedom as here prophesied?
- How does natural/organic architecture build local embodiment of human freedom?
Frank Lloyd Wright Living City 2
- What does he mean by good ground and how it can determine the fundamental shape, style, or occupation in every structure?
- How does business and architecture connect to one another in this reading?
Howard Garden Cities of Tomorrow
- Why were Ebenezer Howard’s proposals considered to be on the conservative side?
- What was Howard’s prime contribution in this society?
Howard Town Country Magnet
- Was it important to follow the structure? For example, did the outer ring of the town only had to be factories, warehouses, etc…?
- Why was the principle of freedom holds good with regard to manufacturers and others who have established themselves in the town important?
LC Radiant City Radiant Farm
- Why was the Radiant Farm important during this time period?
- Were there any influences with the Radiant Farm during this time?
Le Corbusier City of Tomorrow
- What does he mean when he says increasing in density of open spaces are the lungs of a city?
- Why was it important to construct a theoretical water-tight formula to arrive fundamental principles of modern town planning?