CONTEXT AND BUILDING
To analysis the development of various attitudes towards context, I will look to the changes leading to the emergence of many approaches and the changes that allowed for affiliation of context within architecture. The contextual discoveries prior to the introduction of contextualise during this period will be investigated under three titles of Pragmatic Attitude, Sincere Relations and Adaptive Approaches.
Pragmatic Attitude
If we take the fact that the architectural language of form derives from functional aspects, modern architecture deals with functional aspect as the first problem that needs to be solved. The importance given to function and the fact that architecture is shaped according to function means that spaces are used in the most appropriate and comfortable manner, and are thus more economic. The aim here is to ensure the establishment of the architectural design that is the most comfortable and appropriate for the user’s activity.
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At this point, this approach differentiates from organic architecture and environmental architecture. The strict functional manner of modernism means that usability and comfort is obtained not through organic principles but rather through the scientific point of view that is emergent at that time, through technology and industrialisation. The scientific developments in architecture support the pragmatic point of view and in opposition to adaptation seen in the vernacular building, does not have the need to configure itself according to the environment. It rejects traditional architecture and establishes a completely new architectural language on form.
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Case Study, Summerhouse Husarö. Tham & Videgård Architects
Highlighted spacial innovations, the inside-outside relations with re-materialisation of interior and externally placed “walls” through transparent surfaces, and the playing with the reflection of the light and shadows that transparency brings to the space.
“I use light abundantly… light for me is the fundamental basis of architecture. I compose with light… the element of architecture are light and shade, walls and spaces.” Le Corbusier
Sincere Relations
In organic architecture’s attitude towards contexts, I could say that there is an interaction with nature so as to draw analogies, an intention to approach the design with as natural choices as possible; and although it may not be a principle aim, the inadvertent desire to exhibit a friendly attitude towards the environment and the surrounding is not amiss. Organic architecture’s establishment of a relationship form with context, although not a high-level approach to attaining urban environmental sustainability, is more suited for rural or environments. Use of effective materials, topographies, climatic factors towards mass and spacial organisation allows for organic architecture’s attainment of a relationship between the building and the environment within which it is found and attainment of unity with its surroundings. Similar high-level relationships that are established with the surroundings, characterised in the subsequent periods as Contextual design, are much more contextualised than other superficial ‘contextual’ examples of further periods.
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Case Study, TOC House. Elías Rizo Arquitectos.
Sets itself apart with its prototype construction and sympathy towards surroundings. L-shaped to fit around a garden terrace, lots of local materials and natural cooling, natural lighting and a strong visual connection between interior and exterior spaces.
Adaptive Approaches
“Major aim here is to help develop a sensibility in building design that is grounded in a greater sensitivity to the broader environment. Like plants and animals, a building must adapt itself to its habitat. But at the same time it must make an appropriate habitat for humankind.” – Thomas & Garnham
Throughout the period, Modernism was a leading trend together with organic architecture and environment design. The importance that designers gave to scientific information increased, as did the interest in the context within which the building is situated. Climate, topography and such like data are measurable; however it was highlighted that some non-measurable values also need b included in the design. In awareness of this deficit it is also possible to establish and rectify, with the creation of form language, the situations where environmental harmony is not existent. With the control of architectural morphologies, sun and wind, the relationship between Modernism and ‘place’ is straining and is one that is not in accord with one another.
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Case Study, Brillhart House. Brillhart Architecture.
All context are made up of an array of factors that come together (topography, geology, soil chemistry, climate, vegetation, human history, culture, locally available natural material). With the alignment of these factors, vernacular architecture attains organic unity and a sense of place.
It is possible to say that all throughout architectural and design history there has been an inability to run from contextual formation and that the architecture must have a certain attitude towards its surroundings.