Monday, November 9, 2009
Mechanical space
Mechanical space
Mechanics is one of the most important theories in physics. It is commonly used to describe the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effect of the bodies on their environment. This theory brings lots of advantages to our lives. For example, it allows us to construct buildings more efficiency and also with lower cost due to massively produced materials, less labors can be used during the construction process. For building construction, the mechanics is one of the most significant parts to be considered. Architects and engineers have to design the building or structural system under this theory. However, mechanization is closely related to functionalism. The approaches of mechanization is indeed practical, thus the forms of buildings are slowly simplified throughout the centuries. Most of the ornaments are seen as unnecessary, finally they are sacrificed under the mechanization. Modern buildings become more and more unsophisticated, simple lines and geometries are popular elements in constructing a building.
In my video, I would like to show the mechanized and dehumanized process of a city.
Originally, the city was full of different styles of buildings and appeared to be colorful, especially at night when the lights have been switched on. The atmosphere is cozy and full of richness. The personalities of each building are shown by different shapes, heights, materials and colors. Each building is to be constructed as a piece of unique sculpture. However, with the mechanization started in the city, the buildings gradually lose their identities. Eventually, the city is assimilated as the same style with the same color which appears to be boring and cold, also loses its identity. The robotic buildings are finally out of control, the whole city works as a huge machine which creates the atmosphere of sadness and emptiness.
Mechanics is one of the most important theories in physics. It is commonly used to describe the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effect of the bodies on their environment. This theory brings lots of advantages to our lives. For example, it allows us to construct buildings more efficiency and also with lower cost due to massively produced materials, less labors can be used during the construction process. For building construction, the mechanics is one of the most significant parts to be considered. Architects and engineers have to design the building or structural system under this theory. However, mechanization is closely related to functionalism. The approaches of mechanization is indeed practical, thus the forms of buildings are slowly simplified throughout the centuries. Most of the ornaments are seen as unnecessary, finally they are sacrificed under the mechanization. Modern buildings become more and more unsophisticated, simple lines and geometries are popular elements in constructing a building.
In my video, I would like to show the mechanized and dehumanized process of a city.
Originally, the city was full of different styles of buildings and appeared to be colorful, especially at night when the lights have been switched on. The atmosphere is cozy and full of richness. The personalities of each building are shown by different shapes, heights, materials and colors. Each building is to be constructed as a piece of unique sculpture. However, with the mechanization started in the city, the buildings gradually lose their identities. Eventually, the city is assimilated as the same style with the same color which appears to be boring and cold, also loses its identity. The robotic buildings are finally out of control, the whole city works as a huge machine which creates the atmosphere of sadness and emptiness.
Article review
Aspects of Mechanization in design: the rise, evolution and impact of mechanics in architecture by A. Tzonis.
From: http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/dks/publications/online%20publications/1980-HPS-Aspects%20of%20Mechanization.htm
This article mainly focuses on discussing the relationships between architecture and machine and impact of mechanics in architecture. Mechanization is defined as the use of machines to replace manual labor or assist human’s muscular required work. It is applied in architecture in early centuries. For example, Alberti's built-in piping system that allowed the owner of the house to eavesdrop in every room and Hero of Alexandria's steam-operated automatically opening temple door. Even now mechanization still plays a significant role in architecture. One of famous ideas developed from it is that building could be treated as a machine. This idea is contrast to the older theory of architecture in human approaches which is based on human’s body proportion and viewed a building as a breathing body and not as an inanimate object. Mechanization gives a great strike to traditional architecture idea. However, nowadays, it is seen as the agents of evil which had dehumanized the man-made environment and is considered as a method for massively production and construction only. In conclusion, although the mechanization may destroy the identity of city, it is still a catalyst in the creation of a new methodology in design and gives a new philosophy of construction and planning of buildings.
From: http://www.bk.tudelft.nl/dks/publications/online%20publications/1980-HPS-Aspects%20of%20Mechanization.htm
This article mainly focuses on discussing the relationships between architecture and machine and impact of mechanics in architecture. Mechanization is defined as the use of machines to replace manual labor or assist human’s muscular required work. It is applied in architecture in early centuries. For example, Alberti's built-in piping system that allowed the owner of the house to eavesdrop in every room and Hero of Alexandria's steam-operated automatically opening temple door. Even now mechanization still plays a significant role in architecture. One of famous ideas developed from it is that building could be treated as a machine. This idea is contrast to the older theory of architecture in human approaches which is based on human’s body proportion and viewed a building as a breathing body and not as an inanimate object. Mechanization gives a great strike to traditional architecture idea. However, nowadays, it is seen as the agents of evil which had dehumanized the man-made environment and is considered as a method for massively production and construction only. In conclusion, although the mechanization may destroy the identity of city, it is still a catalyst in the creation of a new methodology in design and gives a new philosophy of construction and planning of buildings.
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