Architecture is an evolutionary process. It is constantly changing as the world transforms with changes in society, culture, and technology. The architecture that exists today tells the story of this evolution in society, providing a visual history of society’s development. This development requires change and new creative thinking to respond to the needs of our progressing society.
But as architecture continues to evolve, are we losing sight of what has made so much of the architecture that has existed for centuries survivable? [craft, thoughfullness, sensibility of use, quality, experiential]
Does the architecture of today share the same permanence as our remarkable predecessors that have lasted centuries. In our current generation, the turnover rate of todays architecture is limited to maximum 50 years, far from the ancient precedents that have existed for centuries. Instead of retreating back to the temporary architecture from the time of man’s nomadic existance, we must progress our thinking by looking back at the past, and evolve in the future to create architecture that is permanent and survivable.
I'm interested in why you advocate the idea of long-term survival for architecture. Is it for sustainability reasons? history? legacy?
ReplyDeletealso your thoughts on evolution and architecture seem to juxtapose the idea of looking back to the past as an example of how architecture can survive. I don't mean that comment to be negative, I think the inherent contrast is interesting and could be a good launching point for how to clarify a more concrete proposal.
I was interested in your mention of the turnover rate of archtitecture in today’s society. I too am startled by the alarming rate at which buildings are now being erected and torn down. However, as you mentioned, architecture is the visual history of society’s development and society today is changing and developing at an enormous pace relative to any other period in history. I am also interested in your ideas on permanence and evolution and in architecture that evolves and adapts in order to survive. I understand the wealth of information that can be gained from historical precedents, but I am also eager to see how you incorporate current societal needs into your proposal to make it more relevant in today’s world.
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