I find some of his views and commentaries really useful. There are many things in his 43 Principles of Home that I think are worth pursuing or making sure they are seen in my designs.
Principle 11
Our experience of architecture should improve the closer we get to it. And for that matter the longer we use it.
Principle 14
As good buildings age, the bond with their sites strengthens. A beautiful, interesting or simple ancient building still belongs where it stands, however corrupted that place may have become. Use and adaption of these buildings leave their marks and these, in time, we also see as aspets of he building's integrity
(this one is taken from the philosophy of the Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings, or SPAB)
Principle 15
The strongest visual links with place, the strongest contextual ties, are expressed in the way humans claim territory and populate a place. (eg. the mountain may be big but it's not as important as the enclosed field or whitewashed homestead nearby, likewise a river can be a fabulous visual asset but it functions as context only when used to boat on or cross. Otherwise it's just nature)
Principle 18
New work should express modern needs in a modern language.
Principle 20
Respect the character of old buildings and cherish their idiosyncrasies and imperfections. The character of a place consists of a thousand tiny details which can carelessly be 'improved' with mediocrity.
Principle 23
Finding comfort - the joy of a comfortable chair or door handle - is to be prized above fashion, style and image. Comfort is the most civilising aspect of design or architecture. Seek it out.
No comments:
Post a Comment