analysing architecture on geometry
Simon Unwin - Analysing Architecture
"Some argue that if geometry is the language by which God designed the universe, it should also be the language by which architect design their buildings"?
In theory there is a strong link between god and architecture but perhaps not such a great connection between geometry and god. If God did create everything that original existed on earth then the link is clear because as architects we take all our inspiration and ideas from the things surrounding us. However everything that god designed within the universe is natural, not all architects take there inspiration from nature and therefore the influence god has had on these particular architect's work isn't so strong. Never the less it can be argued that everything that exists has some form of geometry and therefore this is "the language by which god designed the universe"
I do believe that geometry should be used in the design of architecture because shape, size, relative position of figures and space are all key elements to producing a successful architectural design. However I do not believe that geometry has anything to do with God. I believe it is science that caused our existence and therefore it is the geometry of science that inspires our architecture not the geometry of Gods designs.
"It speaks of a ‘higher’, more perfect level of interaction with the world, where the will triumphs over the untidiness and tribulations of mundane reality".
I think that ideal geometry is an important factor in organising our everyday lives for many reasons. There are many different things we use to aid us with ordering our everyday lives and layout is the most important factor behind this. Without the consideration and incorporation or ideal geometry well organised functional spaces and tools would not exist. Therefore reducing how organised our lives are in general.
"Ideal geometry manifests human discipline and aspiration to achieve a perfection in form not found in nature".
Zaha Hadid's and Frank Ghery's architecture does of course use geometry in the designs that are produced as they take form and shape. However they are more inspired by natural fluid shapes than rigid ideal geometric shapes.
When comparing this to my own personal architectural style I prefer to use more geometric shapes than natural ones. I am not against using curves and natural forms but they will always follow some form of construction line or datum point. For example every curve will have a clear radius and location from which the curve has originated. This way of designing is unlike the way Frank Ghery design because he will often derive to a design solution form a rough sketch model pieced together using inaccurately cut card and unsecure masking take. The forms he produces will then be transferred into cad software directly from the models he creates. This makes it impossible for a design to ever be recreated. In relation to Ghery's own personal style this works for him but personally I like to know where my dimensions and forms had derived from thereofore making my design more geometric.
Ideal Geometric Architecture
"Some argue that if geometry is the language by which God designed the universe, it should also be the language by which architect design their buildings"?
In theory there is a strong link between god and architecture but perhaps not such a great connection between geometry and god. If God did create everything that original existed on earth then the link is clear because as architects we take all our inspiration and ideas from the things surrounding us. However everything that god designed within the universe is natural, not all architects take there inspiration from nature and therefore the influence god has had on these particular architect's work isn't so strong. Never the less it can be argued that everything that exists has some form of geometry and therefore this is "the language by which god designed the universe"
I do believe that geometry should be used in the design of architecture because shape, size, relative position of figures and space are all key elements to producing a successful architectural design. However I do not believe that geometry has anything to do with God. I believe it is science that caused our existence and therefore it is the geometry of science that inspires our architecture not the geometry of Gods designs.
"It speaks of a ‘higher’, more perfect level of interaction with the world, where the will triumphs over the untidiness and tribulations of mundane reality".
I think that ideal geometry is an important factor in organising our everyday lives for many reasons. There are many different things we use to aid us with ordering our everyday lives and layout is the most important factor behind this. Without the consideration and incorporation or ideal geometry well organised functional spaces and tools would not exist. Therefore reducing how organised our lives are in general.
"Ideal geometry manifests human discipline and aspiration to achieve a perfection in form not found in nature".
Zaha Hadid's and Frank Ghery's architecture does of course use geometry in the designs that are produced as they take form and shape. However they are more inspired by natural fluid shapes than rigid ideal geometric shapes.
When comparing this to my own personal architectural style I prefer to use more geometric shapes than natural ones. I am not against using curves and natural forms but they will always follow some form of construction line or datum point. For example every curve will have a clear radius and location from which the curve has originated. This way of designing is unlike the way Frank Ghery design because he will often derive to a design solution form a rough sketch model pieced together using inaccurately cut card and unsecure masking take. The forms he produces will then be transferred into cad software directly from the models he creates. This makes it impossible for a design to ever be recreated. In relation to Ghery's own personal style this works for him but personally I like to know where my dimensions and forms had derived from thereofore making my design more geometric.
Ideal Geometric Architecture