Kenneth Fampton - Modern Architecture - isjecak

Chapter 7: Architecture in the Age of Globalization (1975-2007)

Globalization and Capitalism

  • The globalization of capital leads to chaos and conflict, contradicting the ideology of order and optimization.

  • Baudrillard's assertion: "Everything is potentially functional, and nothing is in fact."

  • Capitalism's evolution reflects the complete (notional) capitalization of nature, blurring the line between nature and capital.

  • Nature is increasingly conceptualized as capital itself, highlighting two contradictions:

    • The finite nature of the planet imposes biophysical limits on capital accumulation.

    • Capital cannot regulate the natural production conditions as it attempts to manage industrial production.

Architectural Trends and Globalization

  • The impact of telematic communication and international travel influences architectural practices.

  • The phenomenon often termed the 'Bilbao effect': cities compete to erect iconic structures, particularly noted post-Guggenheim Museum (1995).

  • Celebrity architects oversee construction projects worldwide, reflecting the intertwining of architecture with global economic flows.

Iconic Structures and Celebrity Architects

  • Notable examples:

    • Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao: A symbol of the 'Bilbao effect.'

    • Notable structures include:

      • National Grand Theatre of China by Paul Andreu (2006)

      • Beijing National Stadium (CCTV Headquarters) by Rem Koolhaas (2008)

      • Define aesthetic trends: architects gain recognition for visual appeal over technical skills.

Urbanization and Sustainability Issues

  • Urban centers like Beijing suffer from severe pollution and inefficient urban structures.

  • Global cities increasingly marked by sprawling suburbanization devoid of effective public transport.

  • Predictions suggest significant urban migration in Asia, with projections of 300 million rural Chinese moving to urban areas.

  • Major cities like Mexico City and Tehran face extreme density issues, further complicating ecological challenges.

Architectural Paradigms: Topography, Morphology, Sustainability, Materiality, Habitat, and Civic Form

  • Emerging architectural themes since the 1960s:

    • Topography: Emphasizing environmental contexts.

    • Sustainability: Integration of architecture with ecological systems.

    • Works reflective of multiple themes.

Topography

  • Influenced by key texts from Gregotti and McHarg emphasizing man-made environment and integration with earth's surface.

    • Example: University of Calabria designed by Gregotti.

Sustainability in Architecture

  • Emphasis on sustainable practices across various architectural domains.

  • Concept of landscape urbanism emerges to combine urban planning with ecological practices.

Defined Architectural Practices

  • Identifiable tendencies in architectural culture:

    • Morphology

    • Materiality

    • Habitat

    • Civic structure

Architectural Responses to Environmental and Cultural Needs

  • Architectural projects increasingly demonstrate awareness of contextual integration, responding to natural landscapes.

  • Experiments in public and residential spaces focus on blending built forms with their geographical environments.

Examples of Notable Architectural Works

  • Many contemporary architects focus on integrating structures into their environments:

    • IBM Campus in Solana, Texas, by Peter Walker: Demonstrates a proactive response to environmental degradation.

    • Robson Square, Vancouver by Arthur Erickson: Engages landscape, creating public space.

The Evolution of Modern Architecture

  • Architectural education and practices adopting a complex, multifaceted approach that embraces historical influences while addressing contemporary needs.

  • Reflective of how architecture resonates with socio-political contexts, influencing civic space and urban identity.

Civic Form and Public Space

  • The essence of public architecture captured through civic buildings capable of sustaining community engagement amidst rapid globalization.

  • Civic architecture increasingly viewed as essential for fostering democratic public spheres.