More often than not, we are concerned with the object, rather than the details. Or at least we are trained to. This place has big windows, Nice fixtures, An opulant chandelier, 5, well 6 star service. But we never really dive right into the question of what defines this place as a whole. The information that matters. What were the qualities of the place. The vibe as the hippies would say. From the moment i walked in maybe i felt excited. Maybe as i sat down i felt immediately relaxed. Maybe i felt more connected to the people around me. Trust me there are places, and not just because of timing that have consistantly the opposite effect.
So i thought of my arhcitect brothers and wondered, maybe they should stop designing for other architects who can appreciate their nods to history and cater more to the masses. Granted i know nothing about architecture so to make such a critique is base, i apologise. But my opinion is based on the premise that who is the building or space designed for- the client? The client has no formal understanding of the aesthetic and engineering principles behind beauty. Henceforth, shouldnt the space be designed around the client and not around what is commonly practised. However, before i act even more foolish let me say that not all architects are obsessed with inflicting the world with large obelisks, greek square frames, unnecessarily high ceilings, pillars, marble and columns. I found one such designer, thank you Ayn Rand.
His name is Frank Lloyd Wright. Remember that name, if you will remember anything out of all this. From the very first glimpse of his work, you realize that something is very different, refreshing but terryfying at the same time. Terrifying because his work should not exist, let alone hold up practically. Some things are better as conceptions, as dreams. But what 'Sir Lloyd' (as i call him) does is bring those fantasies to reality. Check him out and ask me sometime... I will only site two of his works otherwise this post might be less about truth and more about Frank.
Fallingwater, an absolute masterpiece, read the reviews and see it for yourself. Instead of clearing the space to put in another repetition of mother history, he built around the enviroment, incorporating it in some parts. No doubt this did not quite go as planned as you will find, mother nature is to ever-changing to be saddled onto by statis. However, with that said, the attempt is sublime.
What can i say about the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum? First of all if you look at its neighbours you notice its defiance. A defiance to rules and conventions. It seems more like a private conversation between the building and the earth rather than being another piece of a whole set of concrete structures. A building that symbolizes ascension, growing larger as you go up and then accented with that virginal skylight at the top. Truth.
Now... There are many architects today, some of whom i know, who still strive to define their own rules and impressions upon the enviroment. As to why these strucutres are seldom seen i can only argue that we the people are as well not ready to be freed from what we understand about the world we inhabit. Initially in writing this i had thought the blame rested solely on the shoulders of architects and i admitted my error and prematurity, asked for forgiveness from my architect friend and here i am now with an evolved perspective. Would you live in Fallingwater or rather choose a home your friends will understand and envy?
As this conversation of space progressed my friend added a further insight. It is not just with spaces but with objects that the stasis in design has halted. In cars, we still face the same direction, sit in the same position and travel the same way since their inception. Doors for all buildings are predominantly rectangular, made of wood and open with a handle roughly 70cm from the ground. Windows and walls are the same. Innovation has a very firm bridle in its mouth. So today i say... Designers and artists, follow the truth in your hearts and limit the influence of influence. Audience, open yourselves to what may well be the best way for you to experience your environment. I guess in this instance the word is not truth but trust. Ask me sometime... Trust!
