To begin with, I believe that the form and light is
principal elements of the architecture and through the understanding of these
elements the magnificent architecture can be created. However, mostly
architectural pieces (especially residential buildings) are created not just to
admire, but to be part of our life. Therefore, design of the building has to be
based on the precise analyses of people’s behavior – the building has to satisfy
the society or be flexible to be changed by it.
The U-house in Tokyo, by Toyo Ito
The house was built in 1976 for a widow and her daughters.
The request of the client was a space where strong relationship between family
members and the contact with the soil and plants could be felt. Japanese family
traditionally is closed to outsiders and forms a very important unit of the
society. Also, parents, and especially father, take a very important role in
the family’s existence. Therefore, the U-house might be interpreted as a
reflection of the family living in the house. Semi circle symbolizes a lost
part of the family and thick concrete walls, sharp and lighting of the
tunnel-like shaped space regards to the mourner’s emotional state, relationship
to society.
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However, in almost 40
years time the traditional Japanese family has changed, influenced by other
cultures and different way of living. Consequently, closer connection to the
outside world, greater permeability of the space might be considered in terms to
design a home for a modern family.
Naked House in Kawagoe, by Shigeru Ban
The house was designed (2000) by the “paper architect” for a
family of three generations, which regards to a Japanese traditional family
structure. The concept of the building relates to traditional Japanese house model,
symbolic meanings (floor forms a part of the furniture, roof is gateway between
heaven and earth..). However, the interpretation of traditional ideologies was expressed
in a modern manner, creating a flexible pure white space without walls as a
distraction.
However, our home usually reflects ourselves and our day to
day life. Even perfect purity and minimalism is admirable it can be hardly define
a family life. A short film “Perfect Human” by Jørgen Leth ( https://vimeo.com/11482893
) helps to illustrate the surrealism of perfection and minimalism. Finally,
maybe homes should be based on presentism?
1 comentario:
Hi Egle!
Both of this projects are based on architects subjective vision of life and consanguinity of these families. The buildings are very different but why the design is so similar in absence of architectural extravagances and revulsive elements. Since antiquity the white color had meaning of surrender of worldly possessions. I associate this design with frigid silence, void and mourning. I think this design is perfect for art objects but i doubt in the ophthalmic comfort of this habitable spaces.
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