DAB525 Architecture in the City:
After the first week of DAB525 I have optimistic expectations for this unit; and this semester. I’m very pleased to see a high level of co-ordination between the units DAB525 and DAB510. Mirko expresses both a high level of understanding and interest in what he teaches, which is a relief. I found it easy to stay interested throughout the lecture.
Some of the main points taken from the lecture are that cities are places for exchange and interaction of economy, culture and society. This is broad, so trying to narrow things down by defining ‘Architecture’ resulted (as per usual) in conflicting blanket definitions from a wide range of viewpoints. At this point in my architectural education, I am content with the lack of a perfect definition. There is no reason for absolutes in architecture; in my opinion that’s a fool’s road to ignorant design. More to the point, the lecture made me think about the progression of trends, specifically in the layout of cities. I feel like we are entering an era where semi-organic/semi-ordered cities are idea. Organic but efficiently functioning. I don’t have a lot of knowledge on the matter but to use an example from the lecture, China’s Tianjin Eco-City appears to be rather organic in layout with a strong sense of identity throughout the city, but very efficient also. This combination seems to be key to a truly sustainably (triple bottom line) city.
Having been asked to comment on the following images, I felt a little conflicted over how each image captures slightly different elements of the same structure.
1: Very powerful structure, dominating the cityscape.
2: Rigid with a strong sense of authority.
3: Ignorant of immediate surrounding built environment.
I feel like this structure relates more closely to the cliffs and mountains than the built environment. Its scale and form gives this impression and although I don’t dislike the structure, I feel it is out of place. The building does not seem to respond or contribute much to the city plan either.
Looking forward to the lecture and walkshop next week.
