Impact of Wars on Architecture and Design of New Buildings - Essay Example

Impact of Wars on Architecture and Design of New Buildings Introduction The emergence of war creates not only a tense atmosphere, but also one that depicts looming destruction, which mostly occurs to architectural buildings. The concept of destruction of architecture especially between 1992 and 1996 siege led to the emergence of the name “warchitecture” (Herscher, 2008, p. 35). This destruction of a city’s architectural aesthetic value, as well as recurrent acts of violence, has led to the emergence of a new conundrum in a quest for opposition of violence against architecture. History shows that every time there is an incident of war creates a blurry conceptual boarder breeding a need for redefinition of architecture in a way that will make it bear destruction (Herscher, 2008). Key ideas of general issues It is clear that most of the damage occurs as part of collateral damage or direct targets out of military necessity (Herscher, 2008). The emergence of neo-rationalism especially in the wake of postmodern classism. The influence of world renown architects, also known as continental thinkers, like Michael Foucault, Gilles Deleuze and Jacques Derrida have added facets like power relations, social structures, environment, and complexity, in addition to, political and economic systems as part of the architectural design process. Architectural students are currently being taught to think creatively about the history as a way to redefine architectural stance (Stewart & Wilson, 2009). Critical appraisal It is imperative to note that the history of architecture is a rich arena where valuable models exist that exemplify on past failures, as well as instances where new theoretical models would harness so as to come up with a vibrant structure. Take for example, the works of Herscher (2008) and Livesey (2011) take a closer look at architectural structures subjected to military strikes or have been part of collateral damage. In this synthesis, Herscher and Livesey find that structures that were subjected to military bombardment have divergent resistance to the energy of the bombardment. It is admissible that some structures have withstood direct bombardment as shown in the pictures alongside from the works of Livesey and Herscher. The question is whether this has aided strengthening structures, and construction patterns? This remains to be a quagmire in the minds of many scholars (Schwartz, 2012, Livesey, 2011, Teal, 2011). Neo-rationalism provides a modern-day thought pattern that is in line with modern challenges. Schwartz (2012) talks of the emergence of a breed of architects that have malevolent acts ruining the reputation of the architectural body. A research by Schwartz found that a group of architects have fallen into the habit of designing structures that are substandard or having flaws, although minute, yet imminent to create a weakness in the building. A good case in question is that of The Loos Case as highlighted in the works of Schwartz (2012). It is further noted that, considering historical times and comparing it with the current time, it is emergent that the current state of affairs shows an increase in crime levels especially crime inclined towards warchitecture (Schwartz, 2012). Teal (2011) and Herscher (2008) make good use of visual aspects by communicating more using these pictures of architectural building; thereby surpassing the information contained in writing. Apparently, it is emergent that utilization of pictures in their work makes the work not only attractive but distinctive to the effect that it propagates information detailing aspects on architecture easily missed in the wording of literature. For example, the works of Teal (2011) highlight the making of a simple to complex structure that makes it possible to see divergent parts of the structure that makes it strong. In the works of Teal, it is amusing to note that, modern structures are fashioned in such a manner that it is made simple, yet flexible enough such that an act that would lead to damage of the structure will not damage the whole structure but only a facet that can easily be replaced. It is clear that modern buildings are more inclined towards architectural aspects that are inclined towards aesthetic value. Neo-rationalism is changing the way an aspect is done and what is perceived as necessary in architecture (Sabini, 2011). It is apparent that aesthetic value is part of the top most aspects that are considered; thus degrading aspects like safety and stability of the structure. It seems that neo-rationalism has its proclivity towards achieving aesthesia, and all other facets of the architecture are fashioned with reference to this emergent fundamental that alters traditional and/ or historic approaches to architecture. This is a conflict that will need to be addressed although the approach needs a redefinition of theoretical stance, such that; there is more emphasis on structural stability and sustainability in the wake of military or terrorism attacks on architectural structures. From the look of things, it seems that there is less regard to social structures in the emergent boom of architectural structures and skyscrapers. For example, in the works of Livesey (2011) and Sabini (2011), it is noted that an increasing number of large multinational corporations are fervidly seeking territories that have traditionally been considered societal land and they build high-rise structures that invade the society’s privacy stance. Is it possible that architecture is playing a vital role in such a heinous act against the society? Is it possible that there is a conflict between the interest of the society and what corporations consider being their corporate social responsibility? It seems that this aspect is rarely addressed in entirety, but rather the issue is shelved in most cases. Governments and corporations have a large proclivity towards enriching the country’s economic stance. This is through massive expansion plans that involve redefinition of space leading to massive acquisition of land and structures. Take for example, in the photo alongside, it is good to note the high-rise building that is set within the vicinity of smaller structures. Although its massive figure seems unbelievably colossal, its ability to host large volumes of individuals is unbeatable. A case worth mentioning is the twin tower that was attacked through terrorism action. The massiveness of the structure enabled it to hold a large volume of users; thus utilizing less space but housing more individuals. There seems to be an emerging link between traditional approaches like these. This is because recent acquisitions of smaller shopping structure is leading to the development of larger structures although this is happening at the expense of the environment It is apparent that the environment has been suffering a serious blow with more structures erected in previously forested plantations. Therefore, this aspect is harnesed by creating greener buildings that have more natural lighting and utilizing energy saving models to improve the already dilapidated environment. Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that there exists a stiff yet consistent correlation between previous architectural works, history and theories. The link to modern architectural aspects through neo-rationalism is apparent. However, modern adoption and study of historic structures and drawings has enabled architects to fashion more stable structures to withstand divergent attacks and changing weather patterns. References Herscher, A. (2008). Warchitectural theory. Journal of Architectural Education, 35-43. Livesey, G. (2011). Changing histories and theories of postmodern architecture: Architecture's historical turn: Phenomenology and the rise of the postmodern. Building Research & Information, 39(1), 93-96. Doi: 10.1080/09613218.2010.508240 Sabini, M. (2011). Wittgenstein's ladder: The non-operational value of history in architecture. Journal of Architectural Education, 46-58. Schwartz, F. J., (2012). Architecture and crime: Adolf Loos and the culture of the “Case”. Architecture Bulletin 94(3). Stewart, M. C., & Wilson, L. (2009). The relationship between architectural history and the studio: A survey of staff opinion in the six Scottish schools of architecture. Architectural Heritage, 1-11. Doi: 10.3366/E1350752408000058 Teal, R. (2011). Foundational history: An integrated approach to basic design, history, and theory. Journal of Architectural Education, 37-45. Read More