Modern architecture
What is the Chicago School of Architecture famous for?
They are especially famous for their skyscrapers: thanks to the use of metal skeleton frame to support the load of the building, skyscrapers can now be taller and taller.
Also, the use of the steel frame with masonry cladding makes the building fireproof.
What does the aphorism "less is more" mean? Who coined it?
This quote by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe represents his rational approach to the creative process of architectural design (minimalism).
When and why was Postmodernism born?
P. was born in the 1970s as a reaction to Modernism and its emphasis on functionality and simplicity.
It reached its peak during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Who designed the "Centre Pompidou"? What does the use of different colours represent?
Renzo Piano (Paris).
An example of "inside-out" style of architecture, in which structural elements and systems are positioned outside the building and colour-coded: green for plumbing, blue for ventilation, yellow for electrical wires, and red for stairs and corridors.
Which architect designed the National Museum of Qatar? Where did he get his inspiration from?
Jean Nouvel.
It is inspired by a mineral formation commonly present in the desert of the Gulf region called "the desert rose".
What are the characteristics of early modernism? And of late modernism?
Early modern = use of a variety of historical styles; use of new materials and structural methods (cast iron, steel,..) as a result of the new industrial needs.
Late modern = lack of ornament; emphasis on rectangular forms and horizontal and vertical lines; use of modern and traditional materials in a new, simplified way; emphasis on honesty of materials; relationship between interior spaces and sites (use of glass); open, flowing interior spaces; natural light.
Fallingwater is a masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright. Why is it considered an example of "organic architecture"?
Because Wright aimed to put the occupants of the house in close relationship with the natural environment. The house is perched over a waterfall running under part of the building; all the walls are constructed of native stone, the horizontal elements are concrete, the floors are paved in stone and the woodwork is walnut.
This building is an example of organic architecture because it is characterized by the use of natural materials and native materials - according to the site of the building.
What does the word "starchitect" mean? Name at least 5 starchitects that you know.
= a very famous architect, especially one who has designed a well-known building in the recent past.
Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, Renzo Piano, Santiago Calatrava..
Which two buildings designed by starchitects can we find in our region?
Muse - Renzo Piano
Messner Mountain Museum - Zaha Hadid
Among the architects we've studied - who has won the Pritzker Prize? Name at least 2.
Frank Gehry
Jean Nouvel
Zaha Hadid
Norman Foster
Renzo Piano
What is Adalberto Libera's most famous building?
Describe it.
Villa Malaparte.
What did Walter Gropius found?
Describe the building of this school.
The Bauhaus.
Built using a concrete skeleton, so to make possible having glass curtain walls.
Characterised by simple geometric shapes (both in the building and in the rare decorations on the façades).
It is made of steel, glass and concrete.
It has flat roofs.
Who is the architect and designer that is considered the father of Nordic modernism?
Name one of his projects and describe it.
Alvar Aalto.
Main works: Villa Mairea, Baker House (student dormitory for MIT), Finland Hall and Essen opera house, Paimio Sanatorium, Viipuri Library
What are the main features of Norman Foster's style? Name and describe one of his major works.
- energy problem solving/environmental impact reduction --> innovative use of materials such as steel and glass to make the building less impactful from the outside.
- high-tech architecture;
- use of curvilinear shapes.
Major works: 30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin); London Town Hall, HSBC Building, The Parliament Building..
Which architect, among the ones we've studied, is famous for not respecting the budget of his projects?
Which other architect is known for - usually - respecting it?
Santiago Calatrava.
Frank Gehry.
How would you define Giuseppe Terragni's style?
Describe its building "Novocomum"
Italian rationalism:
- the use of new materials for the structure
- functionalism
- the use of simple volumes, without superfluous decorations
Place: Como
Function: offices / apartments
Innovative for its alternation between cylindrical and cubic shapes up to the alternations of colors and materials.
What are the "Five Points of Architecture" according to Le Corbusier?
1. the pilotis;
2. the garden roofs;
3. the free plant;
4. the ribbon window;
5. the free façade.
What are the most important features of contemporary architecture?
- re-use of old buildings;
- neo-organic architecture;
- use of recyclable materials;
- green architecture;
- deconstructivism;
- High Tech.
What are the major features of Zaha Hadid's architecture?
- strong use of ductile but resistant materials;
- fragmentation of the surfaces in order to create a sense of distortion and dislocation;
- use of pure geometrical forms;
- Deconstructivism
Who designed the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao? Describe the building.
Frank Gehry.
The building has a different shape on each side: on the side of the river it looks like a ship; from above the building’s plan resembles a flower, with petals spreading out around a central atrium.
It is mainly made of titanium and stone slabs.
What is Mendelsohn's most famous building?
Describe his style and the building.
The Einstein Tower.
One of the most important expressionist buildings.
Place:Potsdam, Germany.
Function: observatory.
Materials: originally conceived in concrete, but in the end realized in brick covered with stucco.
NB: it needs low use of artificial lights thanks to the smart use of glass and mirrors - the light enters from the top and to down to the bottom.
Who was Antoni Gaudí? What are his major works?
Gaudí was the most famous Spanish modernist architect.
He is famous for some residential buildings, such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milá, for the church "Sagrada Familia" and the private park "Park Güell"
Name a contemporary architect you know. Then, describe their style and one of their major works (function / position / materials..)
...
Who designed the “Turning Torso”? Describe the building.
Built between 2001-2005 in Mälmo, Sweden.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it represents a human body twisting of 90 degrees. It is formed of 9 cubes - each of them has 5 floors.
Made of steel, glass and reinforced concrete.
Function: offices, apartments, rooms for business + political meetings/official visits
Which contemporary architects worked on already-existing projects by restructuring them or adding new buildings/parts to the old ones?
Name at least 3
Frank Gehry - his house in Santa Monica (California)
Renzo Piano - the ancient port of Genoa
Norman Foster - the Parliament building (Berlin)
Zaha Hadid - Maxxi National Museum of the 21st century arts (Rome) --> it evolves from army barracks