|
|
Reprinted from:
Memar magazine
Fall 2003
|
|
.
Research
|
.
Integral Architecture
.
|
|
Architecture
|
.
It might seen odd at
first to use the word "integral" for an
architectural movement. The word was first introduced
by "John Gebser", through his philosophical
discussions in the second half of the 20th century.
Inspired by this discussion, many of the works
executed in the 70s and later on were believed to
reach their perfection through the application of a
blend of different modern styles and a combination of
different and converse elements and components. The
followers of this controversial movement considered
conversion and incompleteness the outstanding
characteristics of their works and didn't make any
attempt to even create an apparent kind of order. In
their works, there is no place for unity and thus, the
integrity lies in the alliance of sensed images: A
kind of completeness that could be improved. But how
could we possibly improve the completeness of a work
that is filled with contradictions?
All the works related to this movement, some of which
discussed here as examples, are designed with the help
of a combination of different modern architectural
styles and consist of converse parts. These works
represent their integral image to the observer
reluctantly, gradually and in most cases,
incompletely. The viewer is expected to connect the
parts and understand the combination of the image
elements by using his/her on intelligence. This
combination finds its living and unity in the
observer's mind.
One of the interesting examples of the works inspired
by this movement, which has attracted the critics'
attention in the recent years, is the Konstanz
Residential Complex, designed by Schaudt Architects
(1992-1993). Residential buildings built in Neufeldweg
in Graz between 1984-1988, by the Austrian-born
architect, Gunther Domenig, are other examples of such
complexes. The Museum of Handicraft Arts in Frankfurt
(1979-1985), by Richard Meier, is also an interesting
example of this tendency. We can see the idea of
integral once again in the Library of Munster City.
Wilson Architects won the first prize in the design
competition for the building. The project, which is
located at the heart of the city and near to the main
cathedral, was finished in 1993.
.
|
| . |
|
|
Research:
Architecture |
|
. |
|
