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.