module 7: the texture of architecture

Chloe Carr
Module #7

1.  Architecture: The Science of Design:
    This video described the basics behind the architecture around us that we often take for granted. In the beginning they were talking about skyscrapers and how there are two components to them. These components are superstructure, "which is all that stands above ground," and  the underground substructure, which is the, "construction of a high building that can require different kinds of foundations." In architecture there is such thing as dead weight and living weight. Dead weight is the weight of an actual building whereas living weight includes the weight of furniture and people inside of a building. In the making of a building there can be some issues. These include constructing high rises which is the weight of wind which affects the weight of a building. The most important part of the process of creating a building is in the process of designing the building. The way a building is made all comes down to the way a building is designed.
     Frank Gehry: Architecture as Art
 This video also discusses architecture but as an art rather than the science behind the importance of it. The designer that this video is about talks about how he feels as he designs things. To him, the process is mostly, if not completely, emotional/personal. A quote from the video that I found interesting is when he said that he was, "fascinated by the idea of movement in architecture." The video starts by talking about the importance of creating designs for something, and how the different shapes and sketches of different angles are also a very big part of the creation process. The way the designer put it was that the process was a "harmony between functional architecture and sculptural form. The buildings he has ideas for are all buildings that he wants to have an emotional response about them. The most important part to him is figuring out how he wants buildings to look, and then he thinks about the "scientific" side to everything.

2. The videos relate to the readings in the text because Chapter 13 talks about the structural systems of architecture. During this part of the reading, they write about the practical side to designing something. They write about the families of structural systems: the shell system and the skeleton-and-skin system. This part of the chapter can relate to the first video because they both discuss the science and physical structure of buildings. The second video relates to the text because of the part of the chapter where they talk about the different types of arches and vaults. Arches and vaults don't really have a significant function to a building because they are more for aesthetic appeal, but creating those also needs some intense and significant thought when being designed.

3. I really liked the videos because they helped me understand the process that goes into building something. I never really thought of architecture having anything to do with art but after watching the videos I've learned that the people that design structures of buildings put a lot of work and creativity into their designs. Even after putting their artistic abilities into their designs they then have to think about the science behind how they're going to be putting their work to life in a way that will make the final piece function properly.

4. I chose the videos I did because I wanted to read about the different sides to architecture. I wanted to know more about the science that goes into the construction and design of a building and then I wanted to know more about the artistic side to architecture.