Themes of Tradition - Essay Example

MODERN AND TRADITIONAL THEMES IN ARCHITECTURE Introduction Architecture refers to the designing of buildings; either foroffice work, business premises or residential home. Architecture has been in existence for so many years and the designs thereon have always depended on the time the construction was taking place. The designs therefore changed with time and also as a result of improvement of technology and tools used for construction. Architectural designs also vary with the intentions and values held by the architect in play. Various architects hold different values and intentions when designing a building. As a result of these factors, there has been significant changes in the size, height, shape and design; both internal and external, of buildings. These changes have led to many architectural debates. Some architects argue that modern architectural designs are inspired by the traditional themes while others argue that today’s designs are original and are a result of improved technology and skills and knowledge taught in the schools today. Others argue that modern architecture is a combination of both traditional architectural and modern architectural themes. The progress of today’s architectural industry has become a debate to many and there is therefore the need to analyze how both the traditional and modern themes influence the buildings we see today. Traditional themes as depicted in architectural projects Traditional themes in architecture are based on three design values; traditional based design value, design value of restoration and preservation and the vernacular design value. Under the design value of restoration and preservation, architects believe that there is need to preserve the best of their structures and products for upcoming generations. They therefore work towards ensuring that even when a building is being redesigned; it is restored to its original design. Such architects hold on to three perspectives. The first one is the archeological perspective which holds that it is important to preserve buildings and products as part of our history. The artistic perspective holds on to the need to reserve something that is reckoned as beautiful and a masterpiece. The social perspective on the other hand is built on the need to hold on to familiarity and reassurance. The traditional based design value is based on the belief that traditional designs depict something good and functional. This value is based on three strategies; the first one is the revivalist strategy where an architect sticks to traditional forms of design. The contextualist strategy is where historical forms of design are used when the surroundings demand for such. The critical traditional strategy is based on the interpretation of traditional designs and applying them in modern architecture. Lastly, the vernacular design value is based on the belief that a simple and traditional design is more superior to the modern designs. This operates under four key concepts. The reinvigorating concept is calls for the use of traditional designs and themes in modern times whereas the reinventing concept is where architects go out in search of new archetypes. The extending concept implies the use of traditional designs in a more modern manner while the reinterpreting concept involves the use of modern and recent expressions of architecture. With these design aspects in mind, let us take a look at some of architectural projects that have traditional insights in them. Our study case shall be in Japan since it is one of the countries with a rich, traditional out view of architecture and it still builds on these views up to date. The first project is the Gender Equality Center (GEC). Fumihiko Maki, the architect behind this project, believes that an architect has to rely on his innate aesthetic preferences, ethical and traditional principles as he designs his buildings. In the designing of the center, Maki observed his traditional design values since the building reflects Japanese concepts of architecture. He also observed the concept of light and spaces; which as the Japanese believe help “To glimpse something that is hidden.” This is a multipurpose community center that is located 250 km north of Tokyo. The center is therefore subdivided in to different segment, each serving a different purpose. These include guest rooms, research laboratories, seminar rooms as well entertainment halls. The GEC is made up of five floors. The fourth and fifth floors are enclosed with an aluminum screen and wood louvers. The rooms within the center are separated by the use of vertical wooden louvers. The louvers have small spaces between them through which a person passing through the stairs illuminates light on the other side. The Water Temple in Hompukuji, Awaji Island, is another architectural design that uses the traditional theme. It is designed by Tadao Ando, who believes that architecture is reflection of people’s lives and values. He believes that architecture plays a very vital role in contributing to the improvement of human existence. In his designs, Ando uses materials and spaces to bring out an intense experience with architecture for the users of his buildings. His major inspiration for the Water Temple was the Ise Shrine from where he picked the wood for construction. The Water Temple represents more of a radical change in architecture through which Ado is able to improve on the traditional design values and introduce modern architecture in Japan. The symbols used in the Temple are a reflection of Buddhism and Japanese traditional beliefs. It is found in the midst of bamboo woods, mountains and rice paddles; appearing to in the form of a lotus pool. Japanese people hold that the lotus is a spirit of Amida Buddha, symbol of heaven who carries messages to earth. As one approaches the temple, the first thing on sight is the smooth cement wings that protect the temple for the nearby trees and bushes. A gravel path is a sign of the commencement of the cleansing process before one reaches the sacred place. The sacred place is divided in to two parts; the sanctuary and other essential temple rooms using a wide staircase. The sanctuary is surrounded by two semi-circular walls and a statue of Amida Buddha at the center. Color and light are used to bring out the sacredness of the sanctuary while natural light from a single source at the top illuminate the statue of Buddha. The room is painted red and this color is further enhanced by the flooding lights. The sanctuary is also built to cater for meditation space, an act that is highly valued among the people of Shinghon sect. Modern themes as depicted in architectural projects Modern architecture began in the 20th century with the emergence of technology and a more modern society. It takes the form of numerous schools of design and architectural elegances. Industrial revolution is also said to have contributed to modern architecture because it brought about the availability of iron, steel and sheet glass which were considered important building materials. Modern architecture themes include simplicity, clarity and visual expressions of the buildings among others. The theme of expressionism began in North Europe in the early 20th century. It is related to visualization and performing arts. It was inspired by the mass production of bricks, steel and glass as well as the availability of technical assistance from the new technologies. The expressionist architectures believed in expressing the social aspect of the society through architecture. They sought to create exhibition building s but most of their projects never saw the light of day due to financial constraints. As the years passed, theatre and films were designed where they were designed to suit what the artists believed in. an example is the Goetheanum in Basel, Switzerland. This building is a clear depiction for the love of art and how architecture expresses the same. Another amazing modern architectural work is the BMW central building for the BMW factory. This serves to bring out themes of beauty while at the same time enhancing functionality within the factory. It is a clear representation of what modern architecture can achieve through the use of the readily available technology, tools and building materials. The building serves as the nerve of the entire factory hence the need for it to be simple, elegant and well built. This building is in reality a major transformation from the traditional office, converting the factory and its functions into a dynamic and engaging nerve center for the entire manufacturing process. The walls, floors and office levels of this central building are made of cast-in-place concrete while the roof consists of steel beams. The appearance of the building is enhanced using corrugated metal, glass curtain walls and channel glass on different locations. Theoretical debates on traditional and modern themes in architecture The raging debate between the traditional architecture group and the modern architecture has intensified with the modern architects praising themselves that they have successfully completed the Olympic buildings. The modernists argue that modernization in architecture is unavoidable as people want to keep up to date with the rest of the world. They term the construction of modern structures as unavoidable, given the change in people’s lifestyles, needs, economic position in the society as well as the architecture’s own knowledge and experience. The need for people to work and live in top notch buildings necessitates the need for everyday improvement in architectural knowledge and skills. The modern use of glass and steel in construction has been deemed necessary and unavoidable given the circumstances that we live in today. Traditional architects on the other hand call for preservation of the traditional designs and aspects of architecture. They believe that modernization is slowly eroding what our forefathers struggled to preserve and pass on to our generations. Traditionalists also call for simple, safe yet elegant buildings which a high percentage of the population in the world can afford. While they are not completely against modern architecture, they also demand for a chance to display their skills as traditionalists as well as contributors to the olden society. Work cited Top of Form Scully, Vincent, and Neil Levine. Modern Architecture and Other Essays. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press, 2002. Print. Bottom of Form Read More