Architects dialogue with "nature" in different ways. To some, nature is considered part of architectural space and to some separate but crafted to give the illusion of a continuum. For both, nature inspires and the actual interface with nature determines their architecture. An enquiry based on the manner of this interface is the basis of this paper. The objective is to investigate what prompts an architect to construct this interface and how it impacts architecture. The expression of this interface in terms of elements of architecture and resulting form, space, structure and material will be explored in this paper, through a discussion based on a comparison between the works of two architects, Laurie Baker and Toyo Ito. Simon Unwin's elements of architecture will be used to construct a theoretical framework for architectural elements and Heidegger's theory on "place" will provide a phenomenological base of enquiry. This will be illustrated in terms of architectural precepts and expression in the architecture of Laurie Baker and Toyo Ito with respect to the formalizing of form and structure. Buildings of both architects will be analysed with respect to their connection with nature. Comparative discussion of five projects of each architect in their respective treatment of architectural elements such as material, roof, and wall and structure and skin will demonstrate the language of each architect in its mode of translating nature into architecture. The paper will suggest that culture as in beliefs, through religion influence architectural thought and has brought out a diversity in approach seen in the work of these two architects which has in turn been tempered by local traditions and context.
Meaning and symbolism consecrate the vernacular house. The vernacular house is a response to the environment visible in the investment of knowledge systems imbedded in its architectural fabric. The house becomes an agency of socio-cultural norms through the architecture language and materiality of its spaces and elements and in doing so the domestic house acts as a repository of intangible and tangible cultural heritage. The objective of this paper is to explore the role walls play in conserving this heritage. The paper will study the manner in which walls construct social realities by looking at the different roles they play, through an exploration of their character, materiality spatial, structural and social function. Theoretical frameworks espoused by Simon Unwin, Yatin Pandya and Julienne Hanson will be used to support the discussion. In order to illustrate the context of the wall in domestic vernacular architecture. The discussion will focus on a comparison of walls across four typologies of vernacular houses of varying size, spatial organization and materiality from Tamil Nadu, South India. It will be argued that in cases where change is present, modern materials have shifted the emphasis of a value system based on the significance of socio-cultural norms to that of socio-economic considerations which have resulted in subtle transformations. In other situations vernacular traditions as architectural strategies and devices are repeated in modern houses with the intention of continuing tradition. The wall is objectivized and finds its way in contemporary architecture as an artefact which through memory of association assures identity and continuity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.