3 Responses to “Image and Structure”

1. Sanisha says:
   February 21st, 2008 at 2:56 pm

   well that depends on your definition of Architecture.I think its interesting to look at but what we should be asking, what modern day architects are asking : is this structure and this image environmentally sustainable? Tommorrows architects have to be able to ask and answer the questions about how green the building is, and how it will imapact on the surroundings most importantly.

   It may be considered architecture or art, but thats not important or even trendy now.

2. Saleem says:
   February 22nd, 2008 at 12:06 am

   Perhaps an even more basic interpretation of architecture: if you built it, would it stand? And if it stood, would it be used? But this isn’t to lose vision and art for pure functionalism: all great artists know that form and function are inseparable. And this is the gravest weakness of contemporary and ‘installation’ art: it’s not about craft or function or beauty, but about an intellectual idea, and when we exalt only the idea and neglect the rest, it’s a very esoteric, austere and impoverished type of art that remains.

3. Sanisha says:
   February 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 am

   Thats very interesting, the criteria you mentioned - does it stand ? and if its stands, would it be used?.The informal settlements I have seen all fit that description but they are called shacks and are illegal, and are sometimes replaced by formal matchbox-type houses.

   The question then on what is architecture should really be a question about human dignity.Does the image and the structure elevate the sense of humanity and the dignity of the people who use it? Is it befitting of the souls who live there?

   That may be the most important principle that architects and engineers should think about when designing, and it may even be implied.Its a human-centered approach and its not new, its a Bahai way of thinking & problem solving I think ?
   Designing for the sake of design is dead.

   I think this is just reiterating about what you said about form following function, so what are the new functions?
   Imagine if we designed all buildings as if it were potential places of worship !

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