Experiment 2 : Week 1 - Research + Concepts

WEEK 1: RESEARCH ON ARCHITECTS + CONCEPTS

1. OSCAR NIEMEYER
  • 1907 - 2012
  • Brazilian architect
  • Key developer of modern architecture
  • Lauded + criticised for being "sculptor of monuments"
  • "the architect who eradicated the straight line"
  • Strongly influenced by Le Corbusier
  • Abstract forms + curves - "I am not attracted to straight angles or to the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man. I am attracted to free-flowing, sensual curves. The curves that I find in the mountains of my country, in the sinuousness of its rivers, in the waves of the ocean, and on the body of the beloved woman. Curves make up the entire Universe, the curved Universe of Einstein"
  • "I consciously ignored the highly praised right angle and the rational architecture of T-squares and triangles," he said, "in order to wholeheartedly enter the world of curves and new shapes made possible by the introduction of concrete into the building process."
  • Undulating lines, soaring domes, swooping pillars - repeat in perfect rhythm
Websites:

Images: 

Cathedral of Brasilia - Brasilia, Brazil



Mondadori Headquarters - Milan, Italy



Niterói Contemporary Art Museum


Oscar Niemeyer Foundation Building - Canoas, Brazil



 Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre - Asturias, Spain





Concepts:

1. Curved Lines - Free-flowing and sensual curves. The importance of flexibility and fluidity and avoiding the hard and rigid.

2. Rhythm/Repetition - There is unified, repeated movement, certain patterns or shapes run across the structures, creating a sense of rhythm.

3. Movement - Each piece of architecture seems to be moving in its space (slow, smooth movement in particular), exhibiting a dynamic, lively vibe. 

4. Balance - There seems to be a balance between the 'light' and the 'heavy'. Some components take a lighter, more gentle feel whilst others seem more complex and weighty/bulky.

5. Space - Void spaces are quite prominent in his works. There are these 'empty spaces' that form a significant part of his designed structures.

2. BENEDETTA TAGLIABUE

  • Born 24 June 1963
  • Italian architect
  • Lives/works in Barcelona, Catalonia
  • Works with Spanish husband - Enric Miralles
  • Director of international architecture firm - Miralles Tagliabue EMBT
  • Diverse, complex works
  • Open-mindedness 
  • Husband = one of greatest influences - continues his philosophy of inquiry + experiment
  • "poetic architecture always attentive to its context"
  • "design sensitive to context yet experimental to forms and materials"
  • "I think I have the same attitude of being very curious. curious about the works of others, but also curious about what artists do or what other types of professions do, and what can be discovered through films. I think this is maybe the type of influence we can imagine in our own work – more broadly."
  • Most buildings white
Websites:
Images: 

 Spanish Pavilion - Shanghai Expo 2010



Santa Caterina Market - Barcelona 


Scottish Parliament Building - Edinburgh, Scotland




Gas Natural Headquarters - Barcelona



Concepts:

1. Geometry (combined together) - Unique shapes of different forms and sizes combine together to create new, innovative building designs. There are several components and not just one single geometrical figure. 

 2. Context - The building reflects the form of its surrounding landscape (E.g. Scottish Parlimament Building - reflects complexity/intricacy of Edinburgh streets). Site is imitated through unique design elements - shapes, lines, forms, colours, etc.

 3. Movement - The form of the shapes and lines of the building expresses dynamic, energetic, vibrant movement and rhythm. 

 4. Poetic - Each element/component adds onto each other, extending/highlighting particular themes. Each component speaks for itself - hence, creating a poetic piece which says a lot. Lines + geometry adds to the poetic look of the buildings. 

 5. Inversion - In particular the geometry and shapes used in the buildings are inverted (i.e. changed, opposite of what it was before, turned upside down, etc). 

 6. Complex, convoluted - Further study is needed for each building to fully comprehend its form. There is intricate design work - multiple lines, shapes, forms, colours, materials, etc
Other Ideas:

  • Layering
  • Organic free form 
  • Experimental
  • Unique materiality

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