Cast Documentation

Memory Drawing

Shoe Plan

Light, Volume, Shadow

Scale Reference

Plan 1
Plan 2
Plan 3
Plan 4
Elevation 1
Elevation 2
Elevation 3
Elevation 4

For an Architecture of Reality ::: Michael Benedikt

What is the reality Michael Benedikt writes about?

Architecture. He explains how the reality of architecture is different for everyone because of

symbolism and the way that each person interprets it. He also lists the 4 components of realness

that make up "real" architecture.

Benedikt describes degrees of reality in architecture as: Architecture of Dreams, Architecture of Games, Architecture of Illusions, Architecture of Enactments and Architecture of Jokes. What are some example buildings that fall under these categories?

"of Dreams" - Emilio's Folly

"of Games" - The Manhattan Transcripts

"of Illusions" - Mural, Kroger Building

"of Jokes" - Commercial Building (Austin, Tx)

Benedikt describes “direct esthetic experience of the real” as being moments without symbolism. Where in our environment does symbolism occur and where in our environment is symbolism absent? What is an example of this situation?

Symbolism is unavoidable. No one thing exists without being a symbol for something and to someone. One might say that a Wal-Mart distribution center isn't symbolic of anything, but to people who work there the building symbolizes daily life and employment.

Although Benedikt’s position pulls examples from the 70‘s and 80‘s to illustrate that an architecture of reality is polar to the post-modern architecture movement, this condition continues to exist today. Where in the city would be examples of an architecture of reality and post-modern architecture?

In the city an architecture of reality can be found with utilitarian structures and systems. Power stations, sewers, telephone poles. Post-modern can be found readily on the Las Vegas Strip.

The four components that define the “realness” of an architecture for reality are: presence, significance, materiality, and emptiness (in two categories). How do these components relate to architecture? and What are some examples of architectural elements that make up these conditions?

Presence:

- an architecture for reality must speak for itself

Significance:

-there must be something significant about the architecture

- the way in which it was constructed

- how it interacts with people and how people interact with it

Materiality:

- an architecture of reality must be honest in it's materials

- if an architect wants to construct a facade out of foam, and the foam is covered in stucco, the architecture is lying about its material

Emptiness

(1) - refers more so to the potential of the architecture

(2) - the architecture draws people to it.

Points and Lines ::: Stan Allen

Stan Allen describes field conditions as “bottom-up phenomena: defined not by overarching geometrical schemas but by intricate local connections.” What are some field condition examples that can be found in the road systems of Lubbock?

A field condition is created by the repeated grid structure of the Lubbock. Also, the repeating stop-signs, traffic lights, and street lights create field conditions.

In part 1, Allen distinguishes a geometric relationship of classical architecture from an algebraic combination of the Cordoba Mosque. How do these two architectural examples differ?

- An algebraic combination involves simply extending the fields and conditions already put in place by the existing form and structure.

- A geometric combination on the other hand suggests replicating through the use of ratios of the existing geometric forms

What are some other examples of field conditions that can be observed around campus?

-Crowds of pedestrians

-Sidewalks

-Parking-lots

How does a field condition stand to redefine the relation between figure and ground?

A field condition can represent the patterns and uses within a space, while field and ground only represents inhabitable and uninhabitable spaces.

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