Architecture After 1968
Chapter 1: Introduction
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to contemporary architecture. My name is Sanja Rodis.
This unit will focus on architecture after 1968.
I will explain:
what architecture is,
how it is positioned in the context of significant events around 1968,
various architectural and urban design projects from this period.
Coverage will include both Western and non-Western projects.
Why 1968?
Significance of the year is linked to new approaches in architecture popularized through various influential books and essays.
Introduction to Assignment 1 will occur at the end of this lecture.
Reference to Assignment 2, which involves submitting lecture notes.
Weekly notes are due every Thursday starting in week 2.
Notes can be handwritten or typed, reflecting engagement with the unit.
Learning Outcomes for the Unit:
Research and critically analyze architectural history and theory relevant for contemporary design.
Communicate critical positions through verbal and visual synthesis.
Engage in scholarly processes including peer review.
Aim to enrich general knowledge and inspire studio designs.
Discussion on ethical AI use in essay writing will also occur.
Importance of Theory in Architecture:
Kate Nesbitt describes theory as a discourse that critiques and proposes solutions for architecture practice.
Theory differs from history (which describes past work) and criticism (which judges specific works).
Discussion of influential architects who contribute to theory through writing, e.g., Rem Koolhaas (OMA).
Mention of his books: "Delirious New York" (1978) and a 2004 publication.
Architecture consists not just of design, but also involves reading and writing.
Unit Schedule overview: discussions will cover different perspectives on architecture from 1968 to present, not in chronological order but rather thematically.
Importance of attendance at scheduled seminars to ensure proper feedback on assignments.
Prescribed texts and their availability as PDFs.
Promote active reading techniques to enhance understanding.
Chapter 2: Western Architecture
Events in 1968 significantly influenced architecture:
Notable protests including the May 1968 demonstrations in Paris.
Challenges to authority from students and professionals in various contexts.
Revolutionary struggles for independence occurred globally, impacting architectural thoughts.
Examples include:
17 countries in Africa gained independence.
Unrest in Asia and South America.
Post-war migrations affected urban demographics, impacting urban design.
1960s movements focused on human rights connected to race, gender, and identity, influencing architecture.
Sustainability discussions, previously overshadowed, gained traction post-World War II due to environmental concerns.
Example: Yancey Chapel by Rural Studio, made from reused tires and dirt in 1995.
Foster and Partners and Richard Rogers engaged in sustainable design themes in the 1970s.
Second wave feminism in architecture emerged:
Engagement of architects with feminist critique regarding design perspectives based on gender.
Discussion of "the Other", including marginalized races and identities challenging established norms.
The rise of architectural globalism in the 1960s:
Commercial jet travel drastically altered architectural practices, allowing Western architects to work in various global contexts.
Examples of influential Western architects working globally:
Le Corbusier’s contribution to the master plan for Chandigarh, India, symbolizing modernity post-partition.
Louis Kahn’s National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, representing a national identity post-independence.
Video segment showcasing local pride in architectural contributions like Kahn’s work.
Chapter 3: Kind Of Going
The significance of various projects and their impacts on contemporary perspectives of architecture.
Discussion of Cold War dynamics as a historical framework influencing architecture:
Cold War marked by competition between the US and Soviet Union (1947-1991).
Space Race exemplified this tension through technological advancement and cultural symbolism.
Influence of space exploration on imaginative architectural design:
Technologies and creativity expanded ideas around building possibilities beyond Earth (e.g., underwater or aerial cities).
Manifestations in film and architecture during this period.
Introduction to radical architectural movements, including Archigram’s Walking City concept:
A response to traditional static architectural forms, proposing mobile, adaptable living units.
Chapter 4: Kind Of Gesture
Transition from modernism to postmodernism captured in architectural criticism:
Critique of modernist dogma and proposals for more dynamic structures.
Exploration of ideas suggesting buildings should be mobile or adaptive.
Key examples of experimental architecture:
Super Studio’s critique of modernist homogeneity and globalization.
Constant Nivenshaus's New Babylon project, promoting innovative urban interactions.
Development of Japanese Metabolism movement to address urban density in Tokyo:
Kenzo Tange's proposal for new urban plans that embrace vertical structures.
Exploring the concept of organic urban growth referenced in 'Metabolism'.
Chapter 5: Language Of Architecture
Introduction of TEAM 10, a movement aiming to reintegrate human experiences into urban design:
Critiques of modernist segregation of functions in urban planning.
Discussion of modernist architecture characterized by geometric simplicity and minimalist aesthetics.
Contrast with emergent Australian architects like Glen Murcutt focusing on local context and sustainability:
Murcutt’s quote on
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to contemporary architecture. My name is Sanja Rodis, and I am thrilled to guide you through this fascinating field.
This unit will focus on architecture after 1968, a pivotal year that symbolizes various significant cultural and social changes around the globe.
I will explain:
what architecture is, emphasizing its multifaceted nature that encompasses aesthetics, functionality, and social implications,
how it is positioned in the context of significant events around 1968, particularly the intersection of architectural innovation with social movements and political turmoil,
various architectural and urban design projects from this period that reflect emerging philosophies and trends.
Coverage will include both Western and non-Western projects, underlining the global nature of architectural discourse.
Why 1968? The significance of the year is linked to new approaches in architecture popularized through various influential books and essays, such as Venturi's "Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture" and architectural critiques emerging from protest movements.
Introduction to Assignment 1 will occur at the end of this lecture, outlining expectations regarding content and structure.
Reference to Assignment 2 involves submitting lecture notes. Weekly notes are due every Thursday starting in week 2. These notes can be handwritten or typed, reflecting engagement with the unit and allowing for creativity in how students express their understanding of architectural concepts.
Learning Outcomes for the Unit:
Research and critically analyze architectural history and theory relevant for contemporary design, including understanding the influence of global events on architectural practices.
Communicate critical positions through verbal presentations and visual synthesis of ideas.
Engage in scholarly processes, including peer review to promote collaborative learning and constructive feedback.
Aim to enrich general knowledge and inspire studio designs by integrating theory with practice, bridging the gap between conceptual understanding and practical application.
Discussion on ethical AI use in essay writing will also occur, considering how technology influences writing processes and the integrity of academic work.
Importance of Theory in Architecture: Kate Nesbitt describes theory as a discourse that critiques and proposes comprehensive solutions for architectural practices. It plays a crucial role in guiding design and reflects on societal values.
Theory differs from history (which merely describes past work) and criticism (which judges specific works), providing a framework for future practices.
Discussion of influential architects who contribute to theory through writing, illustrating their impacts on architectural thought. For instance, Rem Koolhaas (OMA) is recognized for his critical insight into the urban condition. Mention of his notable books, including "Delirious New York" (1978), which investigates the chaos of urban culture, and his 2004 publication, which critiques modern lifestyles and urban planning.
Architecture consists not just of design but also involves reading, writing, and discourse as integral parts of the architectural process.
Unit Schedule overview: Discussions will cover different perspectives on architecture from 1968 to present, organized thematically to highlight connections between movements and instances of innovation rather than strictly chronological timelines.
Importance of attendance at scheduled seminars to ensure proper feedback on assignments and active participation in discussions to deepen understanding.
Prescribed texts and their availability as PDFs will aid students in accessing important literature to supplement their learning.
Promote active reading techniques to enhance understanding, emphasizing critical thinking and engagement with texts as necessary skills for aspiring architects.