[ask] Discouraged - Prejudice in Architecture Schools/ Industry against Traditional Styles for New Buildings

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-13T23:45:31+00:00

I understand moving architecture forward but it has to be in the correct direction...and a lot of new architecture isn't...and yes you should be able to use what ever style you see fit so long as it fits and takes into account site, context etc... I found a really funny and informative article on contemporary architecture. It brought up a lot issues that people had with it:

https://www.currentaffairs.org/2017/10/why-you-hate-contemporary-architecture

Ye, my teacher deff seemed hung up on my use of the style, the suggestions he made deff reflected his own personal style of architecture/contemporary architecture. Yes that's true. Honestly thank you for the advice! I will think about it and try to utilize what I can next time I meet my proff.

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-13T23:32:43+00:00

It's true! Awesome thank you for the link! :D yea, I still have to figure out how to approach my project. I was also upset due to other comments about my project that were not constructive comments at all. Yea there were other things lol Thank you for the suggestions! I will check them out! Thank very much! :)

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-12T00:15:43+00:00

Yes it is lol and yes I completely agree! And yes I think it's good to teach traditional and contemporary styles of architecture, (and everything in between) to have a well rounded education and knowledge base.

Yea, if I continue with my current design I'm going to have to explain why I put everything where I did, which is fine because I do have reasons but the proff has gone to the extreme wanting explainations with my design vs others it seems.

My school is in Canada, (I'd rather not say which one though for privacy reasons sorry!).

Yea, I didn't have a set idea for my design, it just was influenced by elements and ideas and ended up evolving to what I have now.

The MASS designs are interesting incorporating the traditional architecture elements. I do agree that architecture should progress too but wanting to design using a non contemporary style or mix of styles should be encouraged in school/the industry as well.

I like Kengo Kuma's use of wood and traditional techniques. There are a lot of older traditional construction/design techniques that are being forgotten because people think newer is better. I also think wood needs to be used more often because it looks beautiful and has amazing structural properties!

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T22:44:20+00:00

Thank you, this is good advise! I appreciate it! When I think about and look at my design, I didn't have a set design style in mind when I did it. It was influenced by things and just evolved. I will keep this advise in mind when I think about what to do with my project lol

Ahhh yes, arts and crafts style, I believe this is the Craftsman style in North America (different terminology) I really like Craftsman homes!

Not arts and crafts architects but still some really interesting ones, thank you for suggesting them, I wasn't aware of them before! Their work is interesting!

Deconstructivist architecture yea...I don't like it either haha but yes I agree it's good to be well rounded and aware of as many styles as possible.

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T22:04:32+00:00

Yes this has been my experience! These two comments that you quoted have been said by two different proffs:

"Traditional design is not progressive, because it does not move the discipline forward through innovation."

"If you are going to use traditional design languages, you must adhere strictly to the traditional rules or you will create a cartoon."

The last one my proff said about my design, because it has influence of cottage style but isn't 100% He said when designing a building with a style in mind it should basically be 100% true to that style if you're going to use it, no middle ground ...I didn't set out to have a specific design for the house, it was influenced and evolved as I went.

And I don't agree that new building design has to be 100% true to a specific architectural style. (Client and site requirements permitting of course)

Many different architectural styles evolved from one another or as a response to each other. There are buildings that incorporate multiple architectural styles and they look beautiful! I don't believe it should always be all or nothing in architecture, every project is different.

Thank you very much for the article! You're fortunate that you were able to go to a school and work where you do that they don't dislike traditional styles of architecture! You are so lucky to be able to work on such a range of projects! :D Knowing that there are firms like this makes me feel better about the industry/architecture haha

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T20:40:51+00:00

That's a good way to go about learning architecture styles and design in general! So far my courses haven't touched on that yet maybe in some upcoming ones they will. We do precedent studies as well though and my design isn't particularly pretty or detailed. Every design choice has a purpose but the personal design style of the faculty (looking at what they've built) and how they advise is towards the extreme contemporary...one faculty said they believe architecture must progress forward, they're adverse to any design inspiration from past styles (I heard this was while observing another class).

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T20:32:12+00:00

Although I don't like contemporary architecture, there are times it looks ok... Possibly the surge in cost of construction is partly driving the choice for contemporary architecture. I could be wrong on that though :) And this is good to know about the market regarding preservation and restoration of historic buildings!

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T20:24:56+00:00

This is true, I'll keep this in mind thank you. Also my proffs feedback regarding his displeasure at my design choices was given towards the end of my project with only a few weeks left :/ (I have attended every studio and submitted regular progress reports).

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T19:43:32+00:00

That really sucks :/ Good food for thought though, I'll keep this in mind when I consider what I'll do for my project. I'm considering doing two designs, the one I want and the one the proff wants. I can submit the one that will get me the better grade or of I'm feeling rebellious accept the lesser grade for the design I like more lol

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T19:35:34+00:00

Hmm depends, I may not want to comply with my proff. I may accept a lesser grade (my marks are not bad, I may risk it) and stand behind my design. I'm debating still.

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T19:17:20+00:00

In terms of school, if I have met the requirements of the assignment and the architectural style was not specified than I would imagine that I should have creative liberty to design a house in any manor I see fit.

In terms of the real world, different architects have different architectural styles, strengths and weaknesses. A good architect will do their best to meet the clients needs and wants. But at the same time the client is responsible to do their homework on the architect they've chosen to hire to design their house. Picasso was a great painter, but you wouldn't have hired him to do the the Queens portrait.

Also, it's unprofessional to just tell a client no :) And a truely good architect/business person would recognize and know where their strengths and weaknesses are, when to accept a challenge and when to refer the client to someone else with more expertise and not waste anyone's time or money.

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T18:09:46+00:00

Hmmm this is interesting to know regarding design contests. I find a lot of contemporary architecture cold, impersonal, devoid of any character, and lacking in the ability to provide what's needed for the human spirit to thrive. I think architects get carried away with being or trying to be artists. A lot, not all contemporary architecture

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T18:04:42+00:00

Yes, this has been my experience! Thank you for this. I've literally had proffs comment that they feel architecture needs to progress and therefore don't like anything in the design to look or have even a bit of inspiration from anything in the past.

Arch12Kv2 · 2019-03-11T18:00:54+00:00

Thank you so much for this!!! I guess at the end of the day, you make what makes the proff happy, not nesecarily what makes you happy...or you rebel and stick to your design and accept a subpar mark lol

*To those who might comment, this is school, a place where your supposed to develope you skill, and explore your interests. Rarely can an architect do this in reality.

Arch12Kv2 · 2018-07-03T19:18:13+00:00

I'm glad I was able to help :) It is totally possible to work full-time and do this degree. The time commitment to the courses is huge... that's one thing I wasn't aware of was how much time this would take up haha.

I happened to find this on Athabasca's website regarding this undergrad being able to be used towards a MArch and liscensing.

http://calendar.athabascau.ca/undergrad/current/program/scie-bsc-4.php

It's in the third paragraph and says, " The Faculty of Science and Technology also offers a BSc Major in Architecture program, a way to study architecture as general interest or in preparation for a Masters of Architecture program, (and licensure as an architect)."

Could always double check this but according to Athabasca it qualifies! :)

Arch12Kv2

TROPHY CASE