A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Architecture and Alchemy
The practice of architecture as a profession is but a relatively recent occurrence in Western society necessitated by the rise of mass production, market economies, and popular governments. This aspect of architectural production, however, may be seen as belonging to a more significant pattern (even if as aberration) of tradition in architectural practice. This tradition connects almost genealogically the ancient notion of the architect as mythical maker to the emergent role of architect as the conscious maker of myths. It is this tradition of architectural practice—as the consideration of construction to encompass both the philosophical and the didactic—that this essay seeks to invoke. It is emphasized that the relative strength of this tradition has depended upon the interaction of cultural forces often beyond the architect's control. A case is made, therefore, for the necessity of a non-static, critical architectural practice in the continuing evolution and reinvention of architectural tradition.
The projects here illustrated are the results of both undergraduate and graduate architectural design studios taught by Professor Johnston 1984-1987 at Georgia Institute of Technology. The design programs engage three discourses in architecture: The cave and the tent, the poet and the politician, the chapel and the marketplace.
My position is similar to that of the alchemists of the past, who did not find gold in their search for gold, but some other precious material.
J.J.P. Oud
Architecture and Alchemy
The practice of architecture as a profession is but a relatively recent occurrence in Western society necessitated by the rise of mass production, market economies, and popular governments. This aspect of architectural production, however, may be seen as belonging to a more significant pattern (even if as aberration) of tradition in architectural practice. This tradition connects almost genealogically the ancient notion of the architect as mythical maker to the emergent role of architect as the conscious maker of myths. It is this tradition of architectural practice—as the consideration of construction to encompass both the philosophical and the didactic—that this essay seeks to invoke. It is emphasized that the relative strength of this tradition has depended upon the interaction of cultural forces often beyond the architect's control. A case is made, therefore, for the necessity of a non-static, critical architectural practice in the continuing evolution and reinvention of architectural tradition.
The projects here illustrated are the results of both undergraduate and graduate architectural design studios taught by Professor Johnston 1984-1987 at Georgia Institute of Technology. The design programs engage three discourses in architecture: The cave and the tent, the poet and the politician, the chapel and the marketplace.
My position is similar to that of the alchemists of the past, who did not find gold in their search for gold, but some other precious material.
J.J.P. Oud
Architecture and Alchemy
Johnston, George Barnett (author)
Journal of Architectural Education ; 41 ; 10-20
1988-01-01
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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