Classical architecture is more than a decorative style - it is a method of thinking and a system of organization. It possesses a renewable vitality to provide a powerful aesthetic and organizational tool for the modern architect. Ordering principles of Classicism can be applied to today's tasks of city design, land planning and building design as well as the final architectural details of a project. You can and should have organization in today's architecture.
Classical design embraces humanness by celebrating tradition and history. Tradition and history allow humans to relate to architecture and to find a 'sense of place' in it. Our mission as architect is to exploit the vast historical resources found in the designs of Classical architecture.
Architecture involves both the aesthetic and the practical. More simply stated, it must possess both beauty and function. 'Beauty' may encompass color, rhythm, material and form while 'function' relates to utility, budget, comfort and sustainability. The architect must seek a balance among these forces.
From our knowledge and enthusiasm for the buildings of the past, we can find inspiration and direction to create traditional solutions to the modern tasks of planning and architecture today.
Classical design embraces humanness by celebrating tradition and history. Tradition and history allow humans to relate to architecture and to find a 'sense of place' in it. Our mission as architect is to exploit the vast historical resources found in the designs of Classical architecture.
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| I-670 Cap, Columbus, Ohio |
Some critics say this style of architecture is of no use in today's modern world - that architecture should be a reflection of social issues of its time. Therefore, they argue, how can we possibly look 'backward' as reference in designing structures which reflect today's world? They ask, 'how is that modern?'
Below are examples of what some consider architecture for today's society. Do these building offer a sense of place? Do they communicate order?
Below are examples of what some consider architecture for today's society. Do these building offer a sense of place? Do they communicate order?
I realize defining 'good architecture' is subjective. In my opinion, buildings like these are more sculpture like, and should be treated as such. It's not to say there isn't a place for them, but would you want a city full of this type of architecture?
Architecture involves both the aesthetic and the practical. More simply stated, it must possess both beauty and function. 'Beauty' may encompass color, rhythm, material and form while 'function' relates to utility, budget, comfort and sustainability. The architect must seek a balance among these forces.
From our knowledge and enthusiasm for the buildings of the past, we can find inspiration and direction to create traditional solutions to the modern tasks of planning and architecture today.
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| Easton Town Apartments, Columbus, Ohio |
Great photos!
ReplyDeletei would love a city full of those!
ReplyDeletethe bendy shiny ones, not the oher nonsense.
It's good to hear architects make claims as to what should be made. I have a few questions.
ReplyDeleteWould you say that the Gehry buildings do not have organization? Or could you say that their organization is simply different from those masonry buildings also pictured above? Does it need symmetry to be ordred? Can you explain very clearly and precisely what "sense of place" means?