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Reprinted from:
Architecture & Culture magazine
No. 9, Summer 2001
Tehran |
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Research
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A note on Modern Architecture
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Architecture
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By:
Hossein Sultan-zadeh, Iran |
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Advances in sciences,
communications, building and industrial materials
along with innovations in the computer and electronic
sector have effected and in many cases transformed the
traditional concepts of living spaces and
architecture, leading us to ponder new questions and
ideas.
A large group of architects still believe in the
traditional notions of architecture and despite recent
innovations in the computer field, they still advocate
creation and design of architectural spaces by hand on
paper, while others encourage their students to take
full advantage of new tools at their disposal. The
preceding difference of opinion is one of the problems
faced within our field, but another persistent
question concerns the description of architecture.
In the past, any activity that was concerned with the
design and construction of spaces was simply
recognized as architecture. A delicate, but important
distinction between construction and architecture is
that the first applies proven and known techniques in
building, whereas the second, although mindful about
practicality, is more concerned with theoretical
concepts and ideas in regard to the creation of
constructed spaces.
In the light of expansion and added dimensions to the
profession, a revision is the description of
architecture appears to be necessary. It is no longer
possible for a single architect to master all aspects
of the discipline due to various advancements in
innovations and techniques. The same applies to other
occupations such as medicine. For decades now,
physicians have specialized in particular fields of
medicine and none can master the knowledge of all
other branches. Although, urban planning, landscape
architecture and interior design have developed into
independent disciplines, but it seems that further
specialization and division of labor in architecture
is essential to achieve higher standards of
professionalism.
One of the maladies of Architecture in Iran, as in
many other countries, is that construction industry
still adheres to outmoded forms and use of manual
labor and primitive practices are heavily dominant.
Mechanization and new methods of industrial
production, especially in structural materials and
techniques have not kept in pace with developments and
transformations in other trades. Unfortunately, in
addition to the aforementioned dilemma, old forms of
lot and building ownership, small capital investment
and individual decision making perpetuate the
traditional view of architecture.
While the above mentioned issues influence
architecture, nevertheless we have to look beyond them
to current trends, such as developments of sciences
and techniques involved with living spaces, expanded
and varied outlooks in relation to architectural
spaces, development of global communications and
multifarious modes of behavior by the public and most
importantly before taking any further steps, current
current views, experiences and development in the rest
of the world must be evaluated and fully appreciated
and finally, a new description or definitions of
architecture is necessary.
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Research:
Architecture |
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