Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture: Selections
from a Forthcoming Book by Robert Venturi
EVDA 621: Introduction to Design Theories
Reading Summary by Sumer Matharu (10047835), 06 Oct 2016
The reading Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture by Robert Venturi is an
observation of how complexity and paradox in Architecture can be used to communicate the program holistically and how a negating simplicity has been brought about by the advent of Modernism. According to Venturi, the role of Architecture is to address all aspects of programming and requirements of the building and this takes a certain level of zooming in and out whereby the resulting form represents a sort of tension between this inside and outside viewpoints leading to more readable design. This takes into consideration several aspects of the design. [pg.18]. Referring to the design philosophy by Loius Kahn, the author writes, The recognition of complexity and contradiction in architecture does not negate what Kahn has called the desire for simplicity. But aesthetic simplicity, which is a satisfaction to the mind if valid and profound, derived from inner complexity. The Doric temples simplicity to the eye is achieved through the famous subtleties and precision of its distorted geometry. [pg. 19] In elaboration of this statement it can be understood that simplicity, rather than ignoring and negating programmatic requirements of a building, can rather be attained as a front-end to a more complicated back-end whereby detail and rigour in the design can be used to achieve a holistic sense of minimalism. Complexity does not have to be drawn out in hard lines, rather it can be induced or be made as a natural result of the intention drawn out in the Architecture. In another instance Venturi mentions, Sir John Soanes characteristic juxtapositions of domes and lanterns, squinches and pendentives, varieties of geometrical shapes and directions, vestigial and real, ornamental and structural, imply separation. [pg.27] This implication of separation rather than the imposition of separation does not come about by simply deciding on the program and then taking a stance, rather it comes more out of arguments and relationships whether they be paradoxical or straightforward. An example can be observed in the case of the Foulkways at Gwynedd Rural Housing for the Aged where the author states, At one end the interior spatial needs of the common living room dominate, and its form easily gives in to this circumstance and becomes rectangular. This eventful exception strengthens the meaning of the rest of the composition. [pg. 49] suggesting the implying of program rather than imposing it.
Bibliograpy Robert Venturi, Complexity and Contradiction, in Perspecta Vol. 9, 1965, pp. 17-56. Article DOI: 10.2307/1566911
Typology As A Form of Convention Author(s) : Micha Bandini Source: AA Files, May 1984, No. 6 (May 1984), Pp. 73-82 Published By: Architectural Association School of Architecture
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