LECTURE 4 | OLD architecture vs NEW architecture
- LOW HUI YIH | 1001540522
- Feb 24, 2016
- 4 min read
Every student is required to explore 1 distinctive change between old architecture with what we have in the present.
OLD architecture can be define as architecture that happening on the past. On the other hand, NEW architecture is the architecture that is "hot" today. OLD and NEW architecture can be clearly differentiate by style (iconic buidling during that particular era), materials use, joining detail, construction method and building design.
I had choosen 2 religious buidlings(church) but located at different site which sperately located at France and Indonesia. They are Bourges Cathedral (France ) and Infinity Glass Chapel ( Conrad, Bali,Indonesia).
BOURGES CATHEDRAL | OLD architecture
Bourges Cathedral was recognised in 1992 when UNESCO made it a world heritage site. It is considerable an importance in the development of Gothic atchitecture asnd a symbol of the strenth of Christianity in medieval France. However, its principal claim lied in its striking beauty, combining masterly management of space with harmonious proportions and decoration of the highest quality. This cathedral is unique in design.
As you can see from the facade is fully covered by ornamentation, the detail craftmanship and great workmanship shows the truth of architecture ( "7 lamps in architecture" by John Ruskin). Ths building still preserve until today as world UNESCO heritage is because it plays an important role in architecture or history that makes people appreciate. The language and unique elements of the buidling had become the memory ( "7 lamps in architecture" by John Ruskin) for the occupant and visitor.
The play of light and inner volumes commands the conception of the while. Light illustrate the instruction of the church.
INFINITY GLASS CHAPEL | NEW architecure
Infinity Glass Chapel in Bali. Its asymmetrical, stunning lines overlook shimmering reflection pools and walkways of finest marble. Infinity Chapel is an architecturally unique wedding venue, floating two meters above sea level. Infinity's simple, off-set triangle shape and physical attributes of marble, glass and steel offer an ultra-modern and one-of-a-kind venue. The clean cut of the building show the characteristic of NEW architecture style. The remarkable steel-framed glass wall that makes up the north side of the triangle embodies the delicate and nurturing characteristics of the bride as she supports the equally impressive marble south side, the stoic groom. There is architectrure, thefore there is interaction. With the present of architetcure, there is mental health, power and pleasure that can feel by the occupant or visitor ( Sacrifice - "7 lamps in architecture" by John Ruskin).
Besides, it also shows the beauty of architecture ( "7 lamps in architecture" by John Ruskin). The architect had blend the building into the creation of nature which create a better environment for the building itself and surrounding atmosphere. However, this building is floating in water and located on the beachfront with breathtaking paroramic views.
The interior of Infinity is beautifully simple with elegant marble floors, floor to ceiling, ocean facing glass frontage and a transposable.
DISTINTIVE.CHANGE
I found that, the main distinctive change between old architecture with what we have in the present is materials use.
OLD architecture
Constrain of materails use due to the technology, they only able to use the existing or surrounding materials to build a building. The main materials use are stone, masonry and stained glass.
STONE
Stone is the main material because of it better durability, fire proofing, bug and vermin proofing. Besides, it looks good and attractive which is maintance free. Natural stone comes in many shapes, sizes, colours and textures. Futuremore, stone keeps the internal air comfortable beacuse of it poor heat conductor so heat fromn outside takes time to enter the building.
WALLS . ARCHES . COLUMNS
STAINED GLASS
Stained glass window which are the assertion of reigious doctrie against heresy. One of the most beautiful specimens of twelth century. It is also a living art form which varies with the season and the light conditions. Stained glass is transparent, therefore during the height of summer, glass can tend to 'wash out' a halate a little.
NEW architecture
All these advanced technologyovercome the impossible. We can freely decide the material we want without worry about transportation, technology. With the present of the hight tech machine such as construction plants and software, we can easily proceed. There are various types of material for us to choose. For example, steel, glass, concrete, timber, marble, rock, aluminium and etc.
CONCRETE + TIMBER
The basic and common material used nowadays compare to ancient time.
GLASS
The full height glass maximize the view towards the ocean and creates a breathtaking panaromic view. Glass also allows the light to wash in that make the space more delightful.
STEEL
Steel is classified as modern material which x use during 1920s. The combination of steel and glass offers a modernism style. In this situation, the steel frame can considered as the main supprt of the building.
M.A.T.E.R.I.A.L
The old and new architecture not only different in building design but also the construction material due to limitation of material. Both era actually totaly different from the point of view of materials use, construction method and building design as well. However, these two example have the similarity of using the natural daylighting to illuminate the interior of the buidling. The old architecture is more focus on ornamentation while the new architecture is more simple and elegant.