Theory. Merrill C Gaines

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1 Theory ˆMy concern is for an architecture that accommodates change through a process of continuation, moving into the future by finding its order in both the present and the past. Merrill C Gaines 8

2 Theory The building s design takes important cues from what is around it, but it promotes also an identity of its own. Robert Venturi It was between the 1930s and the 1960 when Modernism was in the forefront of all architecture design with an ˆout with the old, in with the new attitude. It was during this period when architects exemplified a blatant disregard for context and lack of sensitivity to historic downtowns and neighborhoods. However, it was in the early 1960s when this trend subsided to the Post Modernism movement and began with their goals of evoking a sense of history and the roots of society. 9

3 Theory These goals were discussed by George M. Notter, Jr. in his article, a new urbanism respectfully blends the new with the old. ˆThese goals will continue to challenge cities to retain their older structures as a means of maintaining the excitement of the urban environment. These existing structures will exert even more influence over the character of the new infill architecture as well as enfolding the spaces that remain. The new emphasis on the context of cities and the respect for older architecture will continue to remind people of an earlier age, as they are drawn back into previously abandoned parts of cities that now surge with renewed life. 10

4 Theory Post Modernism: Relating to art, architecture, or literature that reacts against earlier modernist principles, as by reintroducing traditional or classical elements of style or by carrying modernist styles or practices to extremes. Postmodernism (an international architectural movement that emerged in the 1960s, became prominent in the late 1970s and 80s, and remained a dominant force in the 1990s), is characterized by the incorporation of historical details in a hybrid rather than a pure style, by the use of decorative elements, by a more personal and exaggerated style, and by references to popular modes of building. They share an interest in mass, surface colors, and textures and frequently use unorthodox building materials. 11

5 Theory New Urbanism: New urbanism is the result of the integration of old and new. These buildings do not replicate the old, they respect and enhance it. It is imperative that we not lose sight of the distinct characteristics that define our places and communities. New architecture in historic settings can serve to strengthen a place and the publics association to that place. Designing in context: The architect must have a feel for contextualism and a sense for a historic place. Key components to successful integration of old and new include: Sensitivity Compromise Respect for the built environment 12

6 Theory Contextualism: formal contextual patterns are the most commonly observed and the most obvious means architects have of relating their buildings to their context. These patterns include: Space, Shape, Scale, Mass & Proportion Pieces & Details Material, Texture & Color Other components that inspire contextualism include: Geography immediate, local & regional sources Time past, present & future Activity circulation, individual and group behavior 13

7 Theoretical Synthesis Goals and Objectives: 1. Observe and respect the visual heritage and traditions of places therefore allowing buildings to define a place and its people. 2. s that respect the traditional planning principle of the urban condition while experimenting with new forms, materials, technology and signage which will contribute to creating vitality and dynamism to the place. 3. A balance between commercial viability and cultural preservation within the community. 14

8 Theory Issue Identical Reference: Issue #1: Contextualism #1 #2 New #3 Goal: To maintain the overall social character of the site and to establish a respect for the current and future built environment. Material/Detail Reference: #1 Massing/Form Reference: #1 #2 #2 New New #3 #3 Design Response: ˆThere are a variety of ways to design a new building so that it is sympathetic to its architectural context. On the one hand one may literally copy architectural elements from the surroundings; on the other, one may use totally new forms to evoke, perhaps even to enhance, the visual flavor of existing buildings....either of these approaches, or anything in between, is satisfactory as long as it is skillfully done. Brent Brolin 15

9 Theory Issue Solar Panels Green Roof Issue #2: Technology Goal: To successfully integrate technology without interrupting the overall contextualism of the community. Sunlight Reflected Light Sunlight Sunlight Reflected Light Skylit Atrium Design Response: Utilizing sustainability concepts will allow the building to achieve maximum efficiency without being abrasive to the fabric of the downtown areas. Creating an technological integrated building will allow for future additions, adaptations, or function changes allowing the building itself to grow with community. 16

10 Precedents Robert Venturi Gordon Wu Hall Princeton, New Jersey, 1983 Figure 1 : Gordon Wu Hall, Butler College, Princeton NJ Figure 2 : Lourie Love Hall, Butler College, Princeton NJ The firm faced the challenge of creating a new building that would provide an identity for the new college, serve as a focal point for its social life and also give a sense of cohesiveness with other Butler College facilities in two existing buildings of disparate styles. The architects writes: The building s design takes important cues from what is around it, but it promotes also an identity of its own. Its long shape and central position make it a visual hyphen that connects the dormitories and unites them. The brick, limestone trim, and strip windows adhere to the entrance, set off center and broadside in the building, is marked by a bold marble and gray granite panel recalling early Renaissance ornament and symbolizing the entrance to the College as a whole as well as to the building itself. Figure 3 : Walker Hall, Butler College, Princeton NJ 17

11 Precedents Kajima Muromachi Mitsui Shinkan Tokyo, Japan Figure 4 : Muromachi Mitsui Shinkan, Tokyo, Japan For over 400 years, Tokyos Nihombashi area has been a center of history, culture and commerce. Even today, this storied neighborhood remains home to many famous long established traditional shops and historical edifices. This new building attempts to strike a balance between commercial viability and cultural preservation. In 2002 the construction on this 39 story building began and involved imposing walls on the lower stories, designed to blend in with the adjacent building, that gives way to a futuristic upper story design that features extensive use of glass. This building was a part of a complete refurbishment including upgrading the functionality and quality of entire groups of buildings, the preservation and restoration of historical buildings and the accommodation of changes in building function or purpose of use. Figure 5 : Detail of Muromachi Mitsui Shinkan, Tokyo, Japan 18

12 Bibliography Bongiorno, Mike and Paul Cianelli. ˆPlan for downtown holds promise for blending citys past and future. Business First. (May 2004). 23 Feb < %20For%20Downtown.pdf>. Brent Brolin Architecture In Context. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. Butler College. Princeton University The Trustees of Princeton University. 22 Feb < e/>. Gordon Wu Hall. Venturi, Scott Brown Associates Venturi, Scott Brown Associates, Inc. 22 Feb < x.html>. 19

13 Bibliography Gaines, Merrill c. ˆTeaching a Contextual Architecture. Journal of Architectural Education (1980) Feb < 2993% %2933%3A3%3C21%3ATACA %3E2.0.CO%3B2 8>. ˆHappy Union of a Historic Landmark and Contemporary Office. Kajima News and Notes. 30 (Autumn 2004): 1 4. Notter, George M. Jr. "A New Urbanism Respectfully Blends The New With The Old," Forum Jornal (Spring1990) Tyler, Norm. ˆNew Architecture in Historic Settings. 31 Jan < 49.contextual.html>. 20