The video, Architecture: The Science of Design was my favorite of the two that I picked to watch. This video discussed the idea of downtown living being "in" again and the challenges that are faced when architects are forced to build up due to the lack of space in these areas. I learned that the term superstructure refers to the part of the building that is above ground and that the substructure is underground. This substructure is very important since it must support the weight. Wind is a big problem when building therefore, a lot of data studies are done regarding speed and turbulence of wind on smaller models before building. Architects may enlarge the base or even plant trees based in these findings. I also learned about the amazing innovations in home computer systems that control many daily activities in the home. Home computers can now be programmed for things far beyond the basic things such as heat.
The second video I watched was, Frank Gehry, Architecture as Art. This architect's work changed a lot over time. He started with residential projects and his goal has always been to combine functionality with structurally pleasing forms. His goal is to create emotional responses to buildings and to create more than just empty containers for people to work and live etc. He says that his work is a reaction to some of the lifeless and cold "boxes" of modern architecture. He used designs for houses in California to experiment with materials, light, and space. His friendships with pop artists helped him mix in art with his major building projects.
The videos were closely related to some parts of the text. The topic of load-bearing construction was covered in the beginning of the chapter and the structural systems in architecture are definitely a primary concern for obvious reasons. The Great Friday Mosque was used as an example of a technique of using wooden poles to anchor scaffolding that is used to restore the mosques coating every few years. This is very different from the structural plans in the video but also very interesting. I found many of the pictures of the architecture in the book to be more of what I consider attractive (compared to the video on Gehry).The book did cover the idea of steel frame construction as well and on p 303 it does reinforce the idea that many look alike and undistinguished building were build due to required laws. These are the types of buildings that I am sure Gehry was talking about when he referred to the boring box type containers. The work of Frank Lloyd right shown in the text would seem to me to relate more with the look of Gehry's work. The idea of sustainability at the end of the chapter may relate well with the topic of home computer systems in the first video. The way homes and buildings are being built now combine both form and function of new material and energy sources.
Both films were interesting in different ways.I enjoyed the first film a bit more because I simply found it more interesting. I am a fan of big cities and have always been interested in downtown living in cities such as New York, so learning about all the goes into designing skyscrapers was fascinating. I find it a bit scary how much movement actually does occur in tall buildings! As for the section on modern home computer systems, I can see that this is definitely the future. Simple technology such as Alexa is a first step to the technology that was shown in the video. The video gave an example of a computer being set to change the temp when you wake up, turn on a temperature controlled shower, relaxing music, brew coffee etc! I see this becoming something that could be standard in homes during my lifetime which is so exciting.
As for the film on Frank Gehry, I think that I now have a much better understanding of who he is and what he attempts to create with his architecture. I like his opinion that a building or especially a home can and should also be nice looking. When looking at his work though, it did not appeal to me personally. I personally don't see his buildings as beautiful. I think they are very modern and I am used to more traditionally beautiful pictures of homes and buildings. His buildings look unfamiliar to me. Maybe it is more of a California style that I am simply not used to.
I chose the 2 films because of the previews below the film. I had heard of Frank Gehry and was interested in learning about who he was and what his work looked like. As for the first film, the idea of peaking into future home technology was very intriguing. Also, as I said, I visit big cities whenever I can so the architecture there is a topic that I knew would keep my attention.
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