Architecture of the Absurd
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Don’t care much for architecture? I didn’t too.
Until I learned that architecture is the type of art that concerns even those
who proclaim to have no interest in art. After all, we all need houses,
bridges, universities and so on. The ideal is that we have buildings that are both
beautiful and fit for their purposes. We are getting neither, according to John
Silber in his book Architecture of the Absurd.
This great book analyses the attempts of some
architects to make their “genius” prevail over the clients’ needs, desires or
budgets. Filled with illustrations and personal examples (the author was the
President of Boston University and is a member of the American Institute of
Architects) the book dares to question these delicate genius* who are making
our cities so ugly and our lives less comfortable.
The author also invites us to look at these
modern buildings with a challenging and critical eye. (It’s Ok not to like the
Pyramid in front of the Louvre). He reassures us that we don’t need to accept
what’s new and different (not to mention crazy and ugly) just because
architects are bullying us to.
What do you
think of modern architecture, such as the pyramid in Louvre’s courtyard?
* This is
not my expression, nor the author’s. It’s George Constanza’s. I know he is
referring to doctors, but I think it applies here too – not on George’s
side who always pretended to be an architect.
2 comments
My responses to architecture are very instinctive. I really don't know very much about different genres and eras of architecture, but I know what I like when I see it. So I like some modern architecture, and some I don't. I think a lot of hideous stuff went up around the 60s and 70s especially. In modern London, where I live, I love buildings such as the Gherkin, and the Shard, which is just being completed. Striking and surprisingly lovable. I really love taking pictures of buildings when I travel, even though I don't always understand what I'm seeing.
ReplyDeleteI looked for the buildings you mentioned and they are quite different (though I think it would be better to see them live).
DeleteIt's very interesting this idea of architecture as producing instinctive responses. Probably all types of art do that, but with architecture we do need to feel comfortable with it. Sometimes a book or a painting make us feel uncomfortable and it's still a master piece and we still enjoyed it. But if we don't feel comfortable looking at a building every day, it's probably not such a good building after all. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for commenting! Do come back because I usually reply to comments here.