Throughout
this class I have learned much about my design ideals and personal theories. I
enjoyed learning about some of the beginning theories of design from Semper,
Ruskin and Le Duc, and how these theories influenced some of my favorite buildings
and architects. I cultivated and deepen my desire of designing buildings to the
smallest details, a lesson inspired by my research into Alvar Aalto. Until this
class, I always thought of modern design as cold and not livable but I have a
greater appreciation for the reasoning behind the designs. I used to dislike modern design but I had a
very wrong definition of modern.
My
first favorite architect was Frank Lloyd Wright. My father loves woodworking so
he introduced me to the furniture of FLW and I loved the wood and materiality of
the designs. I looked into his home
designs and loved the craftsman and prairie styles. I envied his ability to highlight
and showcase the materials and wanted to bring that into my style. The natural
wood is beautiful and the idea of showing off natural beauty is a very
important asset to architecture. Beautifying the natural world is the ultimate goal
of architecture. I did not know. Before this class, the idea of Ruskin and his
influence on truth in materials was unbeknown to me. It is exciting to learn
the influence behind the designs I like. I now have a source of inspiration to
create my own designs.
I
have always had a small fascination with Scandinavia design, but I did not know
much about it. After researching Alvar Aalto had learned a lot more about the
cultural design and some of Aalto themes. Aalto was avid about designing to
what he called “the micro-level.” An architect
should design a room completely, including the smallest detail of door handles
or table legs. This has been a common theme of the education this year. I
learned more about complete design and thinking of every instead of using
generic options.
Another
aspect of architecture I did not realize is what I am calling the “Modern Myth.”
I believed “Modern” Architecture to be the all white homes of Le Corbusier, or
all glass walls of Mies van der Rohe. I have learned that modern is about some
much more. The ideas behind the plans and sections of Corbusier and Mies,
highlight the changing world of their time. Modern is about the way we live
today and showcasing the technology we have invented. Modern is not cold, but
actually the opposite. It highlights the needs of living today and draws
attention to certain features. Modern has grown on my design taste and has
improved my style.
I
have learned there is more to architecture than the layout of walls. Design is
a very inclusive process and can incorporate many difference levels of detail. Modern is what I make it and not necessary a
stark cold box. Modern is about making the most of the space, accentuating what
is needed and leaving out anything unnecessary.
