Modern Architecture.
The second reading focuses a lot on Adolf Loos and his work. He was very influential to many, but perhaps most notably to Le Corbusier.
Loos believed that there should be a definite distinction between the artist and the craftsman and this portrayal of separation followed through into his work. Separation and distinguishing one from another played important roles in Loos' designs. For example, he applied different designs to different functions of a building, even if the one building had multiple functions. This often meant there would be mix of designs.
Loos focused a lot on interiors. He even went as far as more or less completely simplifying the exterior and focusing all ornamental efforts inside. He was not so interested in the conventional floor plan, so much as the concept of 'volume', creating what could be considered as 'sub-levels' in a building as opposed to the traditional idea of multiple stories. He created series of rooms on different levels, connected by short staircases, resulting in complex negotiation through spaces. Yet despite the complexity, the designs created stories and journeys to get from one place to another.
Having read this text, I have extracted one particular aspect which has interested me the most. That is the idea of designing every element of a space around it's function. Even if a building had more than one function, for example a public space on the ground and a private space above, Loos would provide each one with a personalised design. Perhaps even more impressive is that he managed to do this with considerable grace.
I like the idea of taking this a step further and not just providing separate facades but indeed creating a distinction between all aspects. I am personally a big fan of continuity, but must admit that I am intrigued by what might happen if all elements of each room were different depending on it's purpose.
There is another part of the text which I have found interesting also. That is the idea that Loos used levels as opposed to storeys. This approach, although more complicated, sounds so much more exciting. It also plays into the hand of personalising each space for its function, in that each space can be given a specific level.
Maybe all the private rooms are elevated slightly to create a more intimate atmosphere. Maybe the public area can open out into a high ceiling and a lower floor. There is so much to be played with by reflecting on Loos' way of thinking.
Loos believed that there should be a definite distinction between the artist and the craftsman and this portrayal of separation followed through into his work. Separation and distinguishing one from another played important roles in Loos' designs. For example, he applied different designs to different functions of a building, even if the one building had multiple functions. This often meant there would be mix of designs.
Loos focused a lot on interiors. He even went as far as more or less completely simplifying the exterior and focusing all ornamental efforts inside. He was not so interested in the conventional floor plan, so much as the concept of 'volume', creating what could be considered as 'sub-levels' in a building as opposed to the traditional idea of multiple stories. He created series of rooms on different levels, connected by short staircases, resulting in complex negotiation through spaces. Yet despite the complexity, the designs created stories and journeys to get from one place to another.
Having read this text, I have extracted one particular aspect which has interested me the most. That is the idea of designing every element of a space around it's function. Even if a building had more than one function, for example a public space on the ground and a private space above, Loos would provide each one with a personalised design. Perhaps even more impressive is that he managed to do this with considerable grace.
I like the idea of taking this a step further and not just providing separate facades but indeed creating a distinction between all aspects. I am personally a big fan of continuity, but must admit that I am intrigued by what might happen if all elements of each room were different depending on it's purpose.
There is another part of the text which I have found interesting also. That is the idea that Loos used levels as opposed to storeys. This approach, although more complicated, sounds so much more exciting. It also plays into the hand of personalising each space for its function, in that each space can be given a specific level.
Maybe all the private rooms are elevated slightly to create a more intimate atmosphere. Maybe the public area can open out into a high ceiling and a lower floor. There is so much to be played with by reflecting on Loos' way of thinking.
Colquhoun. A. (2002). Modern Architecture. Oxford University Press.