The Principles of Utopia in Architecture - Research Proposal Example

 Table of Contents 1.1. Introduction 2.1 Personal Background 3.1. Utopia 3.1.1. Utopia in life 3.1.2 Utopia in architecture – a general perspective 3.1.3 Utopia in architectural design 4.1. The Courthouse Project – application of Utopia in practice 4.1.1 A general overview of the project 4.1.2 Courthouse Project and Utopia 5. Conclusion References 1.1. Introduction When referring to the trends applied in architecture in practice we mean a series of personal preferences that have been represented through particular architectural designs while the issue of their applicability in real terms remains irrelevant. In fact many architectural projects have been presented just as ‘samples’ of potential urban design without any tension for their application in a specific geographical area. However, most of the architectural plans designed today refer to the development of urban environment through the suggestion of viable and achievable solutions. Toward this direction it is supported that urban design ‘is geographically limited in terms that it can be applied in ‘areas of a limited size, about half a mile (0.8 km) square’12. It should also be noticed that modern architecture is characterized by a plethora of innovative plans and ideas which all contribute to the development of the specific science throughout the years. As an example we could refer to the case of Archigram which published in 1961 and included a series of architectural plans of very simple form as designed by Cook, Webb and other architects that participated in the whole effort (Design Museum, 2007). Archigram has been a representative sample of modern architectural ideas despite the fact that its application is not achievable. Apart from Archigram, a series of trends have been developed in architecture which was furthermore supported by theories related with the plans involved. In this context, Utopia – a term that is used a lot in the description of specific social and cultural conditions – has been related with architecture. The plans that were developed under the influence of ‘Utopian’ city present many similarities although there are also elements that are unique in each one of these plans. It should be noticed that the application of the theory of ‘Utopia’ in architecture is not recent. In fact there are many studies that refer to the particular issue highlighting the importance of ‘Utopia’ for the development of ‘unreal’ but pleasant conditions of life for citizens around the world. Current paper presents a personal proposal on Courthouse project using the theory of Utopia as developed in the area of architecture. The particular aspects of Utopia are presented in order to understand its application of architecture and its potential use in the future towards the development of viable urban plans. Moreover, a series of architectural plans related with Utopia has been used in order to prove the relation between this socio-cultural theory and the architecture. 2.1 Personal Background My life had a major role in my decision to study Architecture. I grew up in Korea but in my early adolescence (15th years old) I moved in Australia. These two civilizations influenced my perspectives on life, balance and beauty. Moreover, the cultural and social values of both the above societies helped me to understand that urban life could have more quality if based on well structured architectural plans. In other words, a well designed city could have an influence on the lives of its citizens no matter of the social and cultural history and the ethics applied within the particular society. It should be noticed that both countries had common social and cultural principles despite their possible differences in their socio-cultural structure. The above fact prove that Utopia is not an ‘imaginary’ condition but it is rather a necessity for modern society stating the principles and the conditions that could improve the daily life of all people around the world – especially those who live in urban areas where the ‘Utopian’ architectural plans would be a valuable supplement to the existing urban plans. 3.1. Utopia 3.1.1. Utopia in life Utopia is extended in many social areas. In fact, it could be stated that Utopia is a general term describing the ideal conditions of living. In this context, Utopia has been also considered as representing the unachievable and the unreal. In the area of the literature it has been suggested that ‘the more that men react upon their environment and make it over after a human pattern, the more continuously do they live in utopia’.1 Moreover, in order to understand the role of Utopia in modern life it is necessary to refer to its roots. These could be ‘taken as either ou-topos—'no place', or eu-topos—'good place'; Utopia then, may be defined as both a good place, an ideal (or at any rate, more perfect) society, yet at the same time one that does not exist—desirable, perhaps, but at the same time unattainable.’16 The roots of Utopia as presented above can be used in order to justify its application in several areas of modern society – architecture is just a part of modern society on which Utopian principles can be applied. In other words, Utopia in life is related with the desire for the perfect and the pure –conditions and attributes that are not likely to be found within modern society (in fact in no society developed throughout the human history). Because of this characteristic of Utopia, it has been supported that the history of Utopia is “the history of constantly disappointed yet ever-tenacious hop”2 3.1.2 Utopia in architecture – a general perspective Utopia – as already stated above - is often related with the impossible. This is its most known description. However, within the society the meaning of Utopia has been often altered in order to serve specific targets. More specifically, Utopia has been used in many cases not for the creation of specific plans of life or action but for the expression of a particular way of life in accordance with the needs of people in modern world. The desire for a ‘perfect’ and ‘pure’ social and political environment has been used by theorists in architecture in order to develop an ‘Utopian’ theory of architectural design. The City presented in Figure 1 presents many aspects of the ‘Utopian’ city as it has been developed by theorists and architects around the world. The forms and the lines used in the particular plan could be characterized as ‘ideal’ if taking into account the socio-cultural conditions of the era to which this plan refers. Figure 1 - School of Piero della Francesca, The Ideal City, circa 1480. The application of Utopia in architecture can have many aspects. In other words, apart from buildings and urban areas that are difficult to be constructed, Utopia can be related with architectural plans that are characterized by harmony and by accurate lines that describe. However, it should be noticed that the application of Utopia in architecture could lead to several problems. The retrieval of the appropriate criterion for the evaluation of ‘Utopian’ principles applied in architecture could be the most significant problem of such kind. In this context, it has been supported that ‘thus, after a long torturous, but heroic development just at the highest stage of awareness, man would lose his will to shape history and therewith his ability to understand it.’3 It is not made clear however whether there are others, more accurate criteria of history evaluation regarding all human activities – including architecture. The use of the past for the development of appropriate architectural plans in a particular urban environment should be regarded however as a valuable method of architectural design no matter the cultural and the ethics principles of the society involved. The building presented in Figure 2 proves that ‘Utopia’ can be achievable in architecture even if the final result could not be characterized as ‘ideal’ but as quite good in terms of the means used and the resources available for the realization of the particular project. Figure 2 - Amsterdam Orphanage 3.1.3 Utopia in architectural design Utopia has been extensively used in architectural design although its influence is not always obvious. Moreover, the various theorists followed a different method of interpreting the role of Utopia in architecture. In this context, the theorist Colin Rowe related Utopian architectural plans with Plato’s view in Timaeus where Plato notices that when creating world God based his selection on a specific shape “suitable… for a living being that was to contain within itself all living beings”4. The above view can be used in order to explain the existence of circles in the buildings and surroundings designed in the context of an ‘Utopian’ architectural plan. On the other hand, Chasseguest-Smirgel believes that ‘Utopian’ architectural plans should be characterized by calm and should avoid frustration. If we would like to represent the above ideas we could use as an example the “perfectly straight streets, the rigorous geometry of the buildings, the sameness of the houses, and the passion for numbers which exists in most utopias.”10 Moreover, it is noticed that in any Utopian plan the main characteristics are the same: symmetrical buildings and handsome people but these plans do not reflect any particular sentiment17. Other theorists have followed different paths in order to explain the involvement of Utopia in architecture. In this context, Aldo van Eyck (see Figure 3 below) related Utopia with geometry trying to create architectural plans that are characterized by accurate lines and clear forms (in terms of the building represented). The relation of Utopia with architecture following this criterion should not be considered however as totally accepted. In the case of Eyck Utopia has been transformed to a common practice of design instead of a socio-cultural perspective. Figure 3 - Architect Aldo van Eyck (1918-1999) Architect Aldo van Eyck has been a famous architect the most significant plan of whom is the Amsterdam Orphanage (see Figure 2 above). Van Eyck used to design playgrounds but he was also involved in the design of significant buildings like the Orphanage mentioned above. As it can be seen in the case of Orphanage Van Eyck preferred to highlight the existing elements of a building (like walls) trying to apply ‘geometry’ in architectural planning. In accordance with Van Eyck Utopian plans should represent the ideal space for human being to live – normally his home. However, innovative interventions in the plans prepared by Van Eyck can be often identified combining the traditional forms of urban planning with the modern ones (like in case of Archigram although at not such a level). Besides Van Eyck, other theorists in architecture tried to apply Utopian principles in plans referring to cities or specific areas even regarding particular parts of a building like elevators (see Figure 4 below). It seems that Utopia can involve in all architectural fields no matter the size and the type of the area involved. Figure 4 - Elevation analysis of Casa del Fascio, Como from the starting figure of a double square to the final figure, designed by Giuseppe Terragni (1932-36) It should be noticed that the application of Utopian principles – like purity and perfect geometry – in architecture has to be based on specific criteria. In other words, architectural plans should follow all general accepted ethics of architectural planning being modified using the ‘Utopian’ principles only in those points where such an intervention is considered to be necessary. The design of Richards Laboratories presented below could be described as a characteristic example of the above view. Figure 5 - Analysis of the geometrical structure of the Richards Laboratories, designed by Louis I. Kahn (1957-1964) The above plans could be related only with specific Utopian principles like ‘perfect geometry’ or at least such an intention could be identified to exist. The final result should be evaluated using a series of criteria like the accurateness of the lines applied in terms of the required result. In other words, in order for the above plan to be characterized as including the ‘Utopian’ principles, it should present a ‘perfect’ (in terms of geometry) pattern. However, such a target could be regarded as too difficult to be achieved and the plan produced would be expected to reach at least a satisfactory level of quality. Figure 6 - Ground plan analysis of the Kimbell Art Museum from the starting figure of a double square to the final figure, designed by Louis I. Kahn (1966-1972) The plan presented above is an indicative example of the issues developed in the previous sections. In this plan, lines are carefully designed trying to follow ‘symmetry’ and calm in structure. The above plans are in fact differentiated by other Utopian architectural projects like Archigram the main representations of which have been the Walking City (Figure 7 below) and the Plug In City (Figure 8). Figure 7 – Archigram – 1964, Ron Herron, The Walking City (Source: Design Museum, 2007) Both the plans presented in Archigram are in fact representations not of the ‘ideal’ city but of the ‘surreal’ city. More specifically, these plans are characterized by the fact that they could never been applied in practice because of their structure. They can be only used for the representation of ideas and concepts related with the modern cities highlighting issues that modern urban designers should consider when designing modern cities. In accordance with a description of the above plans as presented by the Mito Arts Foundation (2005) the ‘"Walking City" portrays a giant city with insect-like legs that would move to wherever its residents wished while the "Plug-in City" represents a city assembled from detachable spatial units intended for a variety of uses, such as condominiums, offices and stores’. As already mentioned above, the plans presented in Archigram should be considered as parts of the ‘Utopian’ architectural planning at least as it was developed through the years around the world while any application of these plans in practice should be considered as impossible. Figure 8 – Archigram – 1964, Peter Cook, The Plug In City (Source: Mito Arts Foundation, 2005) Modern Utopian theorists are differentiated from their counterparts of the long past. In this context, it is noticed that while old Utopias were concentrated on particular incidentals of life ignoring its main elements (especially sentiments and human relationships), the new Utopias are more human focused trying to identify the potentials of environment regarding the improvement of human life in all its aspects17. Of course, the examination of all aspects of modern Utopias could possibly lead to the formulation of additional assumptions regarding the development of Utopian principles through the years. On the other hand, the constant change of the social and cultural conditions in all societies around the world should be followed by the alteration of Utopian principles in all social and industrial sectors. In accordance with the above Utopian principles should be transformed in modern era in order to meet the current socio-cultural demands. However, even if proceeding to the realization of the above transformation, it is still not sure if Utopian principles manage to enter successfully modern society. A series of further alterations may be required taking into account the culture and the ethics of each society within the international community. 4.1. The Courthouse Project – application of Utopia in practice 4.1.1 A general overview of the project In order to design an appropriate plan for the particular Courthouse we should primarily present its environment. In this context, it should be mentioned that the specific Courthouse is located near Newcastle beach and the park – more specifically in the corner of Newcastle Watt Street and Church Street. In order to enter the building visitors can use a courtyard located in the middle of the building. Particular openings in the building have been created in order for the building to be ventilated – these openings are also used for the sun control. In accordance with its location, the plan designed for the particular Courthouse should address the following issues: a) There is a difference between the sides of the building in terms of solidity. It seems that its north and west walls are more solid than its other parts and are currently used as the main boundaries of the buildings towards Wall Street and Church Street; b) the design of the building’s wall should follow a different pattern because of the existence of the beach in front of one of them. Under these terms, the ideal architectural design for the particular building would be based on these principles: a) a variety of materials should be used including steel, concrete and glass; b) the interior occupation of the building should be appropriately taking into account throughout the design of the relevant plan; c) the external and internal environment of the particular building should be carefully considered when defining the use of each internal and external space. 4.1.2 Courthouse Project and Utopia The use of Utopian principles in modern architecture is a difficult task while the application of relevant theories cannot be considered as helpful unless referring to the possible changes that Utopian principles can suffer in order to be applied in different socio-cultural context. In this context, it has been suggested that despite the theories proposed by theorists like Plato and More should be considered as valuable regarding modern social and cultural contexts, there is still the need for an improved Utopian framework that will reflect the principles applied in all sectors of modern life. Utopia could be used when designing the architectural plan of the particular building. More specifically, the use of a variety of materials – as already presented above – could enhance all the building’s aspects including the openness, closeness, transparency, translucency, and solidity of walls. On the other hand, the division of the internal and external spaces has been based not only on the common architectural practice but also on the needs of the public, i.e. on the use of the building within the particular community. Towards this direction, the building is appropriately ventilated using many open spaces while special places have been introduced in order to serve the needs of the public (facilities) and the local authorities (space for the police control). The use of the theory of Utopia in the particular project can be explained by the building’s structure as it can be seen in the figure 9 below. In accordance with this plan, the building is divided in two main areas, the private and the public one while there is a space named as ‘court yard’ which is used in practice in order to divide the private and the public areas. The internal space of each of the above areas has been divided in accordance with the demands of the particular building taking into account also issues that are related with the safety of the public (area for the police control). On the other hand, all facilities required for the public have been appropriately based within the ‘private’ part of the building. Figure 9 – Suggested plan for Courthouse In the plan presented above in Figure 9 Utopia has intervened in the urban design through the simultaneous existence of two different parts. The private part of the building represents the ‘public emotion’ and the purity. On the other hand, the public part of the building can be related with the traditional urban design especially customized in order to meet the requirements of the particular case. 5. Conclusion The presentation of the principles of Utopia can lead to the assumption that the specific theory can be applied in architecture but the appropriate alterations on the architectural plans should be made in order to respond to the needs of each specific case. Regarding the above, it is supported that urban planning can be often related with theories referring to social and cultural issues. The theories stated by Marx15 are an indicative example of such a possibility. However, in any case the terms of such an interaction should be carefully examined in advance regarding the quality of the results produced. In other words, urban planning can be related with many theoretical views; however the requirements of each case will be determined by the designers taking into account the potentials of the environment to respond to these requirements (in terms of financial and environmental terms). It should be noticed that the accurate interpretation of Utopian aspects in architecture is not achievable. Just general assumptions can be made in accordance with the trends of architecture and the customer preferences within a specific time and place framework. For this reason, it is suggested that ‘the more closely one examines utopian fiction, the more its ambiguities become apparent; not the least of these is what might best be described as an ambiguity of intention: often it seems that the writers themselves are not entirely sure what effect they are aiming at’16. Moreover, it should be noticed that Utopian principles could be possibly applied in modern social and cultural framework only under the existence and the application of specific conditions. In accordance with the above the application of Utopia in architecture should follow specific principles, or else, particular Utopian aspects should be met in every architectural plan that is aimed to be related with Utopia. If there is no such a connection, then the specific plan could not be characterized as having Utopian characteristics. Regarding the Courthouse case, the application of a specific plan applying the principles of Utopia is feasible. As already presented above, Utopia in Courthouse could be applied by creating a plan which will be characterized by innovation both regarding the material used and the division of the internal and external spaces. In this context, the application of ‘purity’ would be achieved – even partially. In any case it should be noticed that Utopian principles could be applied in Courthouse but it would be an issue decided by the building’s designer in terms of the Utopian aspects that would be more appropriate in the particular case. The possible co-existence of Utopian principles with modern principles of architecture could lead to the construction of a building with many advantages both for its users (the public) and the environment. Any appropriate alteration of Utopian principles in order to meet the need of the particular building would be examined by its architects taking into account not only the current use of the building but also its possible role in the long term. References 1. Lewis Mumford, ‘The Story of Utopia’, New Yotk: Viking Press, 1950 (p. 11) 2. Massimo Balddini, ‘La Storia delle Utopie’, Rome, 1996 (p. 8) 3. Victor Turner, ‘Liminality and Communitas’, in The Ritual Process, 1969 (p.128) 4. Kenneth Frampton, ‘Modern Architecture: A Critical History’, London, 1992 (p. 8) 5. Francoise Choay, ‘The modern city: Planning in the 19th Century’, New York, 1969. 6. Le Corbusier, ‘Towards a New Architecture’, New York, 1986 (p. 165) 7. Victor Turner, ‘Liminality and Communitas’, in The Ritual Process, 1969 (p. 94) 8. Antonio Sant’Elia, ‘Futurist Architecture’, 1914 (p. 36) 9. Victor Turner, ‘Liminality and Communitas’, in The Ritual Process, 1969, p. 94. 10. Henry van de Velde ‘Programme’ 1903, reprinted in Ulrich Conrads (p. 13) 11. Louis I . Kahn Light and Space (p.36) 12. Frey, H. (1999). ‘Designing the City: Towards a More Sustainable Urban Form’. London: E & FN Spon (p. 14) 13. Design Museum – British Council (2007) Archigram, available at http://www.designmuseum.org/design/archigram 14. MITO ARTS FOUNDATION (2005) Archigram - Experimental Architecture 1961-1974, available at http://www.arttowermito.or.jp/archigram/archi.html 15. Paden, R. (2003). Marxism, Utopianism and Modern Urban Planning. Utopian Studies, 14(1): 82-100 (p. 83) 16. Ferns, C. (1999) ‘Narrating Utopia: Ideology, Gender, Form in Utopian Literature’. Liverpool, England: Liverpool University Press (pg. 2, 3) 17. Wells, H. (1967) ‘A Modern Utopia’ Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press (pg. 5, 10, 17, 135) Read More