Assignment Instructions/ Description
AHVS 121 Understanding Visual Communication Winter 2021 Assignment 3 This week’s assignment builds on our discussions of space; taking the ideas of how objects speak to each other (week 2) and how various factors influence reception (week 3) to consider some of the ways that architecture shapes both space and our experiences. The goals of the assignment are to: 1) Consider what makes “architecture” different from construction 2) Reflect upon how buildings relate to each other and why that matters 3) Introduce the concerns of built environment in contemporary cities (more on this next week) (The documentary also considered issues of materials and technology, which we’ll look at in more depth in upcoming assignments, you may want to develop those aspects of the film then.) This assignment presumes that you have done the self-directed activities this week. Have a read through this article from The Guardian, which is motivated by an “anti-architect” attitude: http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2012/sep/18/architects-cities-jonathan-meades Make sure to check out the comments, especially the one by DVGriffen for an opposing view (about the 15th entry with default organization of oldest comment first). See what you make of the debate. There are three main points I want you to consider with this article. 1) Meades seems to be speaking out against what he sees as vanity projects, mostly dramatic architecture (for example, Frank Gehry’s buildings). What do you think? Are “architects” (who, BTW, do not often fund their own work but are employed by patrons) responsible for destroying urban aesthetics? How does his view compare to what you saw in the documentary? 2) Meades is also speaking against a coherency of style (which does not always align with architecture being a professional practice). Gehry himself speaks about trying to be a “good neighbor”, does architectural design have to match exactly to achieve this goal? How do these ideas intersect with the practice you saw outlined in the film? 3) Meades is upholding the idea of the ‘individual’ as architect, i.e. as one person responsible for an architectural project, or a solo vision imposing itself on its surroundings. How does that compare to what you saw in the film? 4) How do all your observations from the self-directed activities this week integrate with the themes of the documentary and article? Develop your ideas about the importance of built environment. Write a short response (minimum 750 words/maximum 1250) submit as an email attachment to ddudley@uvic.ca Due: Monday, February 8, 2021 at 3:30PM. Please see course outline for important details on how to format & submit assignments.
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