Position paper 1

2015

[Position Paper One] ARC 313: Theory of Architecture I Modern Architecture

Name: Tareq Al-amoudi

ID#: 201061480

Instructor: DR.jamal Qawasmi

Introduction

This position paper will describe two buildings that been built in a period from 1958 to 1971, each building will be analysis depending on the modern determination.

Since we know that modernity has affect a wide range of architects in the world, especially after the break-up of the Soviet Union and the entry of Russia, China and india entered the global market, that start a new era of globalization.

Based on the principle that architecture follow the change of the social, politics and economics, this generate a new path in designing, that made a dramatic change in the architectural style all over the world.

This widely changed on the global been happen because of the industrial revolution That been change the way of constructing buildings, in addition, it changed people thought about beauty. Unfortunately, Machines and Technology forced people to change their way of criticize architecture, which made a huge changing wave in architecture at that era.

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Characteristics of Modernism

Some of the characteristics of modernity can be describe in points:-

I.

Function dictates much of the design ideas.

The characteristic of modernity focused in the usage of the building and its function, by using standards and relationships between spaces, on the other hand, they didn’t give attention for the non physical aspects of the space.

II.

Increase the usage of glasses and natural light.

“Windows are no longer portholes to the outside, but large expanses of floor to ceiling glass providing dramatic views and introducing natural light deep into the interior of homes” (2).

III.

Simplicity in form and design.

Modern tastes enjoy simplicity and clarity in designing building by avoid decorative façade, and focus more in showing the beauty of material and structure, by emphasize the focus for example in slabs, or in the texture of the material.

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1-German Pavilion

Location: Brussels World Expo

Year Built: 1958

Architects: Egon Eiermann and Sep Ruf

Building type: Pavilion

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Critical analysis : A. Characteristic of Modernism

In this building we can see that the architect used simple geometry, two square that been connected with a simple form bridge.

The two square forms has large glass opening to make the building connected to the outdoor, In addition, the architect push the structural elements inside the building.

Slabs been emphasize, and stairs been push outside of the building, that mean he want to celebrate the structural elements, which is one of the modern design tools.

Bridge has been designed simply to its function without any decoration or special form, just simple frames that act like columns for the building and shading device been hanged to it.

B. Contradicts Characteristic With Modernity On the other hand, Because the building was done as a pavilion, they care about the social aspect in the project, so they provide some large outdoor landscape to let people come to the building, in addition, some floor plans been used for setting areas, but in real modern architecture, they care more about functionality in every space, and avoiding areas that not necessary for daily use.

C. Critical Statement My opinion, that having huge glazed opening will contradicts with some aspects, like the climate and sun study of the region, privacy, in addition, it kills the personal identity, because it focus in showing the industrial and construction technology without giving attention for the personality of the users or their non-physical needs.

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2- The Courthouse Annex

Location: New York City

Year Built: 1959

Architects: Ralph P. Lovelock and James B. King of Orlando

Building type: Office building

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Critical analysis : A. Characteristic of Modernism

In this building we can see that the architect use one geometry, which is the square, as a sign of rigidity in design which is part of simplicity that been driven by modern agenda.

In the first floor, he show the structure of the buildings by the colored columns to celebrate the structure of the building He used some colors, to give identity for every geometry in the building, and to create diversity in the design of the faรงade.

Durable material been used, to show the latest efficiency and durability technology.

B. Contradicts Characteristic With Modernity I think that the architect used some square elements as a decoration object n the ground floor, and that contradict with the aspect of modernity.

C. Critical Statement My opinion that having a clear geometry form for an office building give a good impression of power and control, so the tools that he used from modernity its suitable for an office building.

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References

1) Modern Architecture Through Case Studies 1945-1990, Peter Blundell Jones & Eamonn Canniffe (book).

2) Modern Architecture Defining characteristic,

http://distinctbuild.ca/modern_architecture_defining_characteristics.php

3) 1960: The Modern, Aqua Courthouse Annex

http://www.ninthcircuit.org/about/history/orange-county-courthouses/1960

4) The Globalisation of Modern Architecture: The Impact of Politics, Economics and Social Change on Architecture and Urban Design Since 1990

http://www.bokus.com/bok/9781443839051/the-globalisation-of-modernarchitecture-the-impact-of-politics-economics-and-social-change-onarchitecture-and-urban-design-since-1990/

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