New Humanism in Architecture - Research Proposal Example

?Manhuman. Manifesto Towards a New Humanism in Architecture There is a belief among some architects that creativity has been hindered by society. This group promotes aggressiveness by letting creativity flow, seemingly without regard for the environment or society’s needs. According to the group, passive architects should stop “treading lightly on Earth” (Donald, Williams, et al., n.d.) and not allow themselves to be confined by what society wants. There is still evidence, however, that architects can be artistic and yet still show a regard for the environment. Urbanization has seen society go through a number of architectural phases. This same development has caused the environment to be put in a condition that threatens the existence of society. This crisis has caused architects, one of the builders of society, to create structures that can help save the Earth, society’s home. This need is not to be misinterpreted by the architectural world as an Leaf House (DCraig, 2007) obstacle to the growth of the profession. Some architects take these “limitations” as challenges that trigger their creativity. Working with Nature to create architectural statements is possible as shown by the students at the University of Maryland. The students won the second place at the Solar Decathlon in 2007 with their “Leaf House,” a home with a roofline resembling a leaf and an indoor waterfall that provides a liquid desiccant. (DCraig, 2007) In New Paltz, Net-zero home (Schoenfeld, 2011) BOLDER Architecture designed the first zero-net energy development using “photovoltaic-solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling, combined with insulated concrete form walls, triple pane glass, and heat recovery ventilators” (Toder, 2006). Unlike the Leaf House which was designed specifically for a contest, these homes in New Paltz are already occupied. Contrary to the insights of the Manifesto: Towards A New Humanism In Architecture, BOLDER Architecture has “dared to act” (Toder, 2006) and as a consequence has created homes of the future. At present, there exist visually-pleasing structures which are also eco-friendly. These buildings and homes are recognized by both public and private award-giving organizations for their beauty and their energy-saving features. This only proves that architects can remain true to their calling of creating aesthetically appealing buildings and make these beneficial to the society and environment. Toward a Human Architecture: A Sociologist’s View of the Profession Through time, buildings have been a part of society because architects consult with men to come up with structures that often make—must make—a statement. At times, the resulting structures turn out to be contrary to what was envisioned by the client. As architect Bob Borson has written, he had been fired from a project “for not listening”. (Borson, 2010) This kind of dilemma is exactly why sociologist Herbert Gans (1993) suggests that architects should start building with their client’s needs in mind. Indeed, society appreciates a building with a unique architectural design. Not only does it make the place visually appealing but it also helps establish the architect in the field. Will Alsop knows that well, struggling to create himself a name which is now synonymous to magnificent structures in Peckham Library (Greer, 2007) the United Kingdom. In his works, Alsop lets his imagination run even if the outcome is not something that the public may want. (Worsley, 2002) This makes for buildings that have a high aesthetic value but may not be functional and comfortable for the people using these structures. Another architect whose works aim to be visually appealing is Odile Decq. Her take on the Shanghai Information Center is indeed a striking mixture of straight lines and triangles. Looking at the structure though makes one wonder if each space inside serves a purpose and can be utilized. Shanghai Info. Center (Decq, 2011) It has been said that an architect, like a painter or a sculptor, creates beauty. This is part of the nature of these professions. Indeed, architects are applauded for giving society with brilliant structures. Nevertheless, this ideal should not take precedence over making these structures valuable to the people they were made for. If the people who need these projects built are more burdened by these buildings, then the people are better off with a plain-looking but efficient structure. To support human architecture, the architects of today should create projects that address their clients’ needs and comfort. Making those buildings beautiful too should just be an added touch. Design and Social Responsibility: The Designers Accord The architects and other designers of today have come together to try and affect change in society, more particularly society’s drive to save the environment. As a consequence, the Designers Accord was formed and with it the guidelines that are hoped to lead all designers in the practice of their respective professions. Basically, it is a call to make designers more environmental friendly in their daily work activities. (Swan, 2008) Making use of sustainable materials in designs has become somewhat popular to architects in the recent decade. Because the existence of society is put at risk by the toxins in the environment, “thinking green” has now become one of issues society has to deal with. Consequently, the call to recycle has continually resounded from homes to Greenhouse Home (Johnson, 2009) businesses. Hiroshi Iguchi, for example, designed an actual home using wood, traditional Japanese panels and, to protect the occupants from heat, white canvas. (Johnson, 2009). As part of their guidelines, the Designers Accord mentions that designers should talk to clients about how to help the environment through their projects. The use of sustainable materials is not limited therefore to designs for houses. An example of this is local architect Craig Hartman using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood, daylighting and passive cooling in creating The Cathedral of Christ the Light. (Arieff, 2009) Because of the growing problems concerning the environment, society itself is taking measures to prevent any act that might bring potential harm to the place that provides society food and shelter. Architecture is one of the industries that have a direct effect on the environment and ultimately the welfare of society. It is therefore a necessary consequence and an unspoken duty that architects and other professionals whose jobs require the use of natural resources engage in activities that will aid in this endeavor to save the environment. The philosophy of sustainable design: the future of architecture The earth was able to survive massive floods, earthquakes and even an ice age. This just shows how it can recover, albeit not immediately, from the result of man’s careless use of its resources. Mankind does not share the same fate. As history has shown, all that is left of former societies are their structures. These buildings serve as testaments to the civilizations that built them and show just how fragile society can be at the hands of nature. Some architects claim that green architecture limits their creativity and freedom in designing buildings, structures they will be credited for. It is curious to note that this group of designers seems to have forgotten how simple ancient structures were and yet these are recognized and acclaimed until today. In the midst of the controversy surrounding sustainable materials in architecture, it would be wise to look back in history and learn how builders of long ago already practiced green architecture. A good example can be Great Wall of China (Great Wall, 2006) found in China. Rammed earth technique which saves on cement as it is made up of moistened sand, gravel and clay was used for parts of the Great Wall. (Greenbang, 2009) Another example is in Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica was built in 1473 and 1481 yet its natural stone flooring is still intact and beautiful after 500 years. (Rappold, 2010) These structures St. Peter’s Basilica (Rappold, 2010) display superb architectural skills and prove that the use of sustainable materials does not hinder architects from creating masterpieces. Writer Jason McLennan (2004, p. 241) says that ‘Architecture… will continue to be the largest single artifact we will leave to the future.’ Alone, the field of architecture cannot prevent the decline of natural resources. It can, however, help in the effort to save the environment by taking notes from the architectural practices of long ago. In order to have a society that will applaud their masterpieces for generations to come, architects would do good to embrace green architecture. References: Manhuman. Manifesto: Towards A New Humanism in Architecture DCraig, 2007. Leaf House. [Image online]. Available at [Accessed 20 July 2011]. DCraig, 2007. Solar Solar Decatholon Architecture Winners Showcase Energy Independence. [Blog]. 24 October, Available at: [Accessed 20 July 2011]. Donald Alastair, Williams, Richard J., et al., n.d.  Mantownhuman Manifesto: Towards a New Humanism in Architecture [online]. Available at: [Accessed 20 July 2011]. Schoenfeld George, 2011. Net-zero Home. [Image online]. Available at: [Access 18 July 2011]. Toder David, 2006. Bolder Architecture. [online]. Available at: [Accessed 18 July 2011]. Toward a Human Architecture: A Sociologist’s View of the Profession Borson Bob, 2010. Top Ten Reasons NOT to be an Architect. Life of an Architect. [Blog]. 23 February, Available at: [Accessed 17 July 2011]. Decq Odile, 2011. Shanghai Information Center. [Image online]. New York: The Architect’s Newspaper, LLC. Available at: [Accessed 19 July 2011]. Gans Herbert J, 1993. People, plans, and policies: essays on poverty, racism, and other national urban problems. New Sussex: Columbia University Press. Greer Germaine, 2007. Peckham Library [Image online]. United Kingdom: Guardian News and Media Limited. Available at: . [Accessed 19 July 2011]. Worsley Giles, 2002. An architect of the imagination. [online]. United Kingdom: Telegraph Media Group Limited. Available at: < http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/3575901/An-architect-of-the-imagination.html> [Accessed 18 July 2011]. Design and Social Responsibility: The Designers Accord Arieff Allison, 2009. Let there be Light. (Home by Sunset) [online]. Tampa, Florida: Sunset Publishing Corporation. Available at: < http://www.homebysunset.com/home_by_sunset/2009/03/page/2/ > [Accessed 21 July 2011]. Johnson Trent, 2009. Greenhouse Home. [Image online]. Available at: < http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/prefab-modular/greenhouse-home-from-sustainable-materials-075712> [Accessed on 21 July 2011]. Johnson Trent, 2009. Greenhouse Home from Sustainable Materials. [online]. (Re-nest article). [online]. Available at: < http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/prefab-modular/greenhouse-home-from-sustainable-materials-075712> [Accessed on 21 July 2011]. Swan Ciara, 2008. Design and Social Responsibility: The Designers Accord. [Blog]. 20 January, Available at: < http://designresearchgroup.wordpress.com/2008/01/10/design-and-social-responsibility-the-designers-accord/> [Accessed 21 July 2011]. The philosophy of sustainable design: the future of architecture Great Wall, 2006. Great Wall History. [Image online]. Available at: < http://www.greatwall-of-china.com/51-90/the-great-wall-of-china.html> [Accessed 24 July 2011]. Greenbang, 2009. Ancient buildings yield modern, eco-friendly secrets. [online]. Available at: . [Accessed 26 July 2011]. McLennan Jason F., 2004. The philosophy of sustainable design: the future of architecture. (p. 241) Kansas City: Ecotone LLC Rappold Edward, 2010. Sustainable Natural Stone. [Blog] 20 November, Available at: < http://dimensionalstone.blogspot.com/>. [Accessed 27 July 2011]. Rappold Edward, 2010. St. Peter’s Basilica. [Image online] Available at: < http://dimensionalstone.blogspot.com/>. [Accessed 27 July 2011]. Read More