Module 7 - Architecture

This week the topic of conversation was architecture.  How it integrates into our lives and how is has been used to reflect artistic style.  The progression of materials used as enabled us to create more and more incredible structures.  Some are beautiful to look at, some are massive and awe inspiring and others integrate themselves into the world around them so well you may not be able to tell it purpose.  I watched two videos that added on to some information the course textbook offered.  I watched the following videos:

1. Architecture: The Science of Design
2. Last Call for Planet Earth: Sustainable Development and Architecture

Architecture: The Science of Design

This short video focused on the ever evolving technology that goes into the creation of new architecture.  From the materials to the advancements in science that allow us to manipulate the materials of old into stronger more versatile products.

Our textbook did a great job of setting a groundwork for the materials that have been used over the centuries.  The video started with a focus on the use of steel and the skeleton and skin method of creating buildings.  Our text followed a chronological order where steel was prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries.  The text and video showed the emphasis on the skeleton and skin technique of building and how the evolving of the building materials enabled us to build the sky scrapers we all know today.

Though the film clearly is dated it has some modern concepts that still are not in use widely today.  The whole house automation that ties into the energy usage of the house and integrates into every facet of your life.  This did not add much to the information with regards to architecture but did illuminate the concern some people are taking in keeping energy costs down by simply using a computer to track and analysis the usage and plan for optimization.  When it came to the more scientific side of Portland cement I did gain some higher knowledge on how this material is created and implemented.  The bit on per-stressed concrete was something I have never heard of before.

I chose to watch this video simply because it involved science.  I am a fan of both architecture and science so for me it was an easy choice.  I do wish it was a little more up to date and showcasing more modern technologies.  Though most would be the same or at least similar, computer technology has come a long way in adding to this field.

Steel used with old techniques and modern flare

Last Call for Planet Earth: Sustainable Development and Architecture

 This video was quite a bit longer than the first but covers a wide variety of view points from architects around the world.  I think that was the best part of the video, to include the viewpoints of this sustainable topic and how they were so similar despite the origin.  The major focus of this video was reducing the carbon footprint of a structure and building with the future in mind.  Keeping the earths raw materials in tact and using more renewable materials along with better planning for heating and cooling will reduce cost and help sustain the environment.  The idea is to build to accommodate the people while using the natural environment to our advantage without destroying or wasting resources that are not renewable. 

This ties right in with Green Architecture.  The concept is exactly waht this film is about.  The main focus on this film is larger living and work areas but the concept holds true in either place.  By integrating the building into the environment you desturb less in the eco system of the area and you can harness the natural effects of the earth to heat and cool a building by simply using the earth temperature.  This whole video is everything the final section of the chapter covers.  The use of natural light to bring light into a building and plan smartly to ensure heat gain and loss at the proper times.

A great example of a roof top that uses nature to insulate

This film was less dated than the first and I really liked how they formatted the video.  By showing the reinforcement of the concept throughout the industry and world really shows that this is a concept that is truly being addressed.  Simply seeing them build to meet these standards is a true testament to how well the ideas can work and can only get better.    Just learning the new ideas that are being put in place to help reduce CO2 admission and renew as apposed to destroy and rebuild really adds to my interest in this topic.  It did reenforce the notion that adhering to sustainability does not limit or restrict architecture; yet it forces you to plan and commit to an idea that fits the environment of your site as well as the intended use.  We may be past the intricate religious carving on a mass scale, but we are now moving towards practicality and beautification at the same time.  Sustainability just asks that you take all materials and energy usage into consideration when planning.

Again I chose this video simply on the basis that it was a topic I knew I would enjoy.  The things they are doing with architecture now are amazing.  The use of roof top gardens and greenhouse effects are truly works of art.  These technical considerations mixed with integration of usable space helps not only the earth but the people using the structures.  I have seen many shows and videos on people using the natural temperature of the earth to heat and cool their homes while using the sun and wind to harness the power need to run their house.  Build an entire business complex to meet the same demands is astounding.  Reusing water from rainfall or local sources to control humidity and temperature is a practical intent for the future.  I am not sure cost is ideal in all of these situations but I am sure that this is why more people and companies do not make use of it yet, I stress YET.