An Armature for Integrative Work |
Implications for Authentic Architure |
| |
Circle of Blue Environment • Traverse City, Michigan • 2010 |
page three of four |
|
| Throughout time architects have found it necessary to distinguish their concept of good practice by placing a word in front of “architecture.” I have never liked this however have - given the many buildings parading their wares in the name of Lady Architecture - reluctantly succumbed. Architecture should be architecture and stand on it’s own value. Architecture does need to be distinguished from mere buildings and the many travesties done in it’s name. This is an unfortunate necessity of our time. The term I have chosen is Authentic Architecture: that which is the full expression of what architecture can be in a time and place. This practice of architecture integrates the acts of designing, building and using human habitats. It includes infrastructure works of all kinds. It recognizes that Humanity is turning Earth and its near orbit into a human artifact. It rejects the “buildings are architecture” focus. It embraces true economics and true ecology as one subject. It calls for the application of both manufacturing and craft work in the service of making an experiential art. It depends on robust collaboration of all who make it and use it. And, this injunction means the inclusion of Gaia and all life forms in the making of habitat for all life forms. Authentic Architecture rests on organic practices and employees biomimicry methods. It’s goal is to be sacred places of StrongMemory. This, and only this, I believe to be practical. |
| Given this vision of architecture, the vast majority of work being built today is not useful and too often dangerous to the survival, let alone health and happiness, of life on this planet. Most works parading today in the name of architecture are, to a greater or lessor degree, the example and expression of a culture at the end of its time. We lack a body of work which is a beacon, an expression, a living example of what humanity can become. In the ultimate sense, such a work is perhaps beyond our present understanding and capability. There is no question, however, that we can build an authentic expression of our quest - our transition from a society of exploitation to one of co creative harmony. |
| It is by the standard of this definition that the Circle of Blue environment will be built, used and ultimately judged. |
|
|
posted: July 13, 2010 • revised August 27, 2010 • 7:06 AM @ Elsewhere |
copyright© Matt Taylor 2010 |
|
