The Penguin and the Utopia - Essay Example

? The Penguin and the Utopia Introduction Architecture influences society in various ways. In society, architecture affects the waya built society is planned, designed, used as well as maintained. Consequently, it is architecture that brings together art, creates environmental awareness among people and influences science and technology. Thus, architecture is part and parcel of society. The architecture adopted in design reflects the culture of a given people in society. There is, therefore, a close relationship between architecture and numerous tenets of society like technology, philosophy, sociology, politics and economics. The paper analyses the possible connections that exist between the 1934’s Penguin Pool and the modern Utopia. In so doing, the paper explores the relation between architecture and zeitgeist in terms of ideologies and the material production of space. Discussion Life and ideas of Berthold Lubetkin Berthold Lubetkin is considered one of the best architects ever in history. Many of his works have been landmarked in Britain. To add on this, his ideas are still being used in architectural discourse, as well as education worldwide (Allan & Sternberg, 2002). He pioneered design in Britain in the 1930s, with his works including the famous London Zoo penguin pool. According to Fisher (2007), Lubetkin viewed the world as a collection of static facts. These facts, he said, were never to be moved or disturbed. He added that however, that could not be the reality. To him, life was not all about creation or enjoying fixed values but rather humans enjoy processes. The whole is like a burning candle that result into change in one thing or another. To him, people were not built structures that looked as if they just landed there from the sky. As such, he looked at design as being something that could be manipulated to fit onto a given environment, at a given season. Things are not to look so permanent. Thus, dynamism is essential in architecture as it is a transformation process (Sheppard & Lousada, 2010). Using the transformation idea and dynamism, Lubetkin created the London Zoo penguin pool in 1934. He endeavoured to use the building as an opportunity to explore existing possibilities of the reinforced concrete in a creative manner. By 1934, reinforced concrete was a new building material (Perrin, 2002). He studied the behaviour of penguins and utilised the idea in coming up with the idea of the building. He created a penguin enclosure as well as a pool that provided an interesting environment for the penguins. There were also numerous viewing angles specifically for spectators to visit the place. It was a Modernist building that envisaged true clarity and style. Additionally, there was a large elliptical blue pool which provided the birds with a large swimming area. The blue pool, moreover, offers a contrast to the white concrete which was used in most of the design. The design included a shaded area which protects the birds from direct sun. Having gently curved walls is essential as it echoes the penguins’ cries. Through these aspects of design, Lubetkin demonstrates the need for relating architecture to the existing housing conditions. Thus, he showed this through satisfying the needs of the penguins. Furthermore, the structure demonstrates the need for coming up with a solution, which could be different in its appearance, as compared to the natural environment. However, the vital thing is for the solution to function as expected (Shore, 2010). Source: Allan & Sternberg, 2002. Modern architecture in 1920’s and 1930’s There is a misconception that architecture in the 1920’s and 1930’s was old style. However, this period experienced art deco and the emergence of the modern style. The emphasis was on the streamlining of buildings and minimal use of colour. According to Page (2012), in her article titled “Period Houses: The 1920’s and 1930’s”, she looks examines modern design in 1920’s and 1930’s. Here, she explores the Villa Savoye in Paris which she says “still looks very modern today”. Built as a family retreat, the house has an open feel. This openness and freshness has been greatly enhanced by the presence of a roof garden having ribbon windows. Another typical example evident is the Dymaxion House designed in the 1920s, but has been built and later redesigned. It has a round shape, which is so peculiar in modern age design. Additionally, it has brown colour which was more pronounced in the 1940s. The design of the house envisioned future use of household appliances for instance washing machines. There was also the inclusion of the air regulation and cleaning concept to enhance comfort. As such, it was designed in a way that women would enjoy staying in as they go about their daily chores. This comfort, that a house accords one, is vital in today’s architectural designs. Modern architecture still has fireplaces, a living room mainly consisting of a settee and two armchairs, and uses lino as the most suitable material for floors (Page, 2012). All these were evident in the 1930s with only the current design being an improved version of what was available then. Context of design in UK in 1930’s The Penguin Pool at the Regent’s Park depicts design of the 1930’s that has stood a test of time. As such, the architecture is still a model in design despite having been built in 1934. Modern architects still make reference to it on matters of design. On the other hand, the Serpentine Gallery at Hyde Park is a modern architectural structure. Build in the modern era in 1970, its main focus is on the modern and contemporary art. Because of its design, the Serpentine Gallery at Hyde Park attracts more than half million visitors annually (Serpentine Gallery, 2013). As such, it is clear that whereas the Penguin Pool represented a vision for a dynamic future, the Serpentine Gallery promotes modernity in architecture. The Pool, as envisioned by Lubetkin was a “representation of movement, across species, space and time” (Fisher, 2007). Additionally, the Penguin Pool was innovative in that the designer put various viewing angles for spectators. Moreover, there was the use of contrasting colours in order to enhance its overall appearance. The fact that the designer put in place a shade to protect the penguins shows innovation. The design was aimed at promoting the idea of a society being dynamic through transformational processes. Source: Serpentine Gallery, 2013 Synthesis Architecture is part of a society’s culture. Architectural designs are moved from one period or era to another as a way of preserving culture. There seems to be no much difference between the arts of the 1920s as compared to what we have at the moment. There have only been minor improvements to suit existing conditions. The improvements can largely be attributed to advancements in technology. Thus, as seen earlier that Lubetkin’s interest in 1934 was to test the suitability of reinforced concrete, this cannot be the case now. There is so much at the disposal of architecture, depending on what one deems the most appropriate technology. Nevertheless, increasing demands, mainly as a result of increased population has led to increased innovation with the aim of meeting these ever increasing demands. All architectural designs must satisfy the need which is normally the provision of a solution to a given problem. Innovation is key to meeting these demands in the modern society. Lubetkin uses architecture as a way of passing across the important message of societal transformation. Here, focus is on the fact a society is dynamic hence the need to adopt new ways to fit existing conditions (Fisher, 2007). The focus is on humanity. Thus, modern architecture works not in isolation but much prevalence is given to improving on what existed before. Consequently, modern architecture has to be aligned in a way that it fits into the context. Conclusion The Penguin’s Pool at Regent’s Park and the Serpentine Gallery at Hyde Park represent two of the best known architectural designs in the world today. Through the Penguin’s Pool, Lubetkin examines the importance of societal transformation through various processes. Architecture has improved over time, from the early 1920s to what exists at the moment. The drastic change is majorly due to advancement in technology. The presence of laws has been crucial in the architectural field as there has been enforcement and regulation to ensure standards are met in the construction field. Over years, innovative ways have been incorporated into architecture hence improving quality of structures. As needs and demands increase, architects have come up with innovative ways to counter this. Consequently, architectural designs have to fit into the current context. References Allan, J., & Sternberg, M., 2002. Berthold Lubetkin. London: Merrell. Fisher, W., 2007. The Empty Stage: Berthold Lubetkin’s Penguin Pool at London Zoo. Available [Online] at: < http://www.artsteam.co.uk/news/RHWL_EssaybyWilliamFisher.pdf> (Accessed February 27, 2013). Page, E., 2012. Period Houses: The 1920's and 1930's. Available [Online] at: < http://techandscience.com/techblog/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=980> (Accessed February 27, 2013). Perrin, J., 2002. Berthold Lubetkin 1934. Penguin Pool London Zoo Regent's Park. Available [Online] at: < http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/penguin/> (Accessed February 27, 2013). Serpentine Gallery, 2013. Serpentine Gallery. About Us. Available [Online] at: (Accessed February 27, 2013). Sheppard, M., & Lousada, S., 2010. Regent's Park and Primrose Hill. New York: Frances Lincoln Limited. Shore, G., 2010. Serpentine Pavillion, Serpentine Gallery, Hyde Park, London, U.K. Available [Online] at: < http://www.demotix.com/news/390227/serpentine-pavillion-serpentine- gallery-hyde-park-london-uk#media-390193> (Accessed February 27, 2013). Read More