I think Architecture goes beyond just the aesthetics...even if a building is aesthetically pleasing, couldn't it be just as ugly? If it spatially does not suit the needs of its program, the public, etc, I think even "pretty" architecture could be "ugly" architecture.
Here's something! Take for instance Gehry's Strat Center at MIT. Although this is considered architecture, the building is considered by many that work and study there as the ugliest building on campus. It is cool, by all means, very cool. But, I also think it is an ugly building. Gehry is thought to be one of the most creative architect of this century. I agree, but not everything he does is beautiful. The strata center is Architecture, and ugly as sin.
No doubt... They must get some big raccoons in Pago Pago...
Anyway, I don't see ugly architecture per-say, but ugly landscapes, in those two examples. Actually, I LOVE the second example of architecture. But that may be because the building is pink. I love pink.
The question should really be, "What's ugly design?" Of course, that doesn't make it any easier to answer and no less subjective.
i think the definition of aesthetics goes a little bit farther than just visual pleasure. perception, the relationship between the body and space, gestalt psychology, our level of empathy we feel toward a structure, etc. read some of rudolf arnheim's stuff. he's a perceptual psychologist who wrote about the impact that art and architecture had on the human mind. there are many other psychologists who've written on the subject of 'aesthetics.'
One example of ugly architecture that springs to mind is the 'people's palace' in Bucharest, Romania. Not just because I think it looks ugly...also because it represents ugly politics and megalomania. Ceausescu, the former dictator of Romania, abused architecture to try and make himself immortal. To reach this goal about 3000 houses were demolished, the oldest part of the city vanished to make this building and the immense boulevard leading towards it.
The architect is Anca Petrescu, there's a fascinating documentary about this, made by VPRO for a tv-program about architecture and ethics. The program also featured an interview with his Remness about CCTV (in Dutch) and one with Shigeru Ban.
in that case why not the city of st. petersberg where several hundred thousand serfs were worked to death? just turn the romanian thang into upscale condos and give one to oana.
I cannot recall the project's name but it is underconstruction now. It is a graduate school in Canada (toronto?). Its a checker box raised on link-log sticks. ugh, I just cringe thinking about it.
What is ugly architecture?
Is there such a thing?
there are TONS if it around.
tons OF it... damn tiny laptop keyboard
is that architecture?
it's like asking what's an ugly person?
hey, are you calling me ugly? my mom said i was beautiful.
nice touch with the balluster to add some "kick" to the facade..
is this a trick question?
I think Architecture goes beyond just the aesthetics...even if a building is aesthetically pleasing, couldn't it be just as ugly? If it spatially does not suit the needs of its program, the public, etc, I think even "pretty" architecture could be "ugly" architecture.
"you've got to have the courage to make it ugly."
i honestly have a hard time seeing the value of this discussion..
why did you start it then?
how is a building criticized? what criteria do you have?
how do you know a building is ugly when you see it?
that was a thought that went loose.. sorry..
it burns my eyes and makes me want to run down the street screaming "My eyes, they are burning! My eyes, they are burning! My eyes!"
yo mama
it's not ugly, it's just snugly
Here's something! Take for instance Gehry's Strat Center at MIT. Although this is considered architecture, the building is considered by many that work and study there as the ugliest building on campus. It is cool, by all means, very cool. But, I also think it is an ugly building. Gehry is thought to be one of the most creative architect of this century. I agree, but not everything he does is beautiful. The strata center is Architecture, and ugly as sin.
p.s. keep kickin' ass!
same goes for oma's seatle public library, this topic is so subjective
i like beautiful things.
that car has a sweet ram-bar in the front.
No doubt... They must get some big raccoons in Pago Pago...
Anyway, I don't see ugly architecture per-say, but ugly landscapes, in those two examples. Actually, I LOVE the second example of architecture. But that may be because the building is pink. I love pink.
The question should really be, "What's ugly design?" Of course, that doesn't make it any easier to answer and no less subjective.
Nu-uli place kicks ass
i think the definition of aesthetics goes a little bit farther than just visual pleasure. perception, the relationship between the body and space, gestalt psychology, our level of empathy we feel toward a structure, etc. read some of rudolf arnheim's stuff. he's a perceptual psychologist who wrote about the impact that art and architecture had on the human mind. there are many other psychologists who've written on the subject of 'aesthetics.'
most school of architecture buildings
One example of ugly architecture that springs to mind is the 'people's palace' in Bucharest, Romania. Not just because I think it looks ugly...also because it represents ugly politics and megalomania. Ceausescu, the former dictator of Romania, abused architecture to try and make himself immortal. To reach this goal about 3000 houses were demolished, the oldest part of the city vanished to make this building and the immense boulevard leading towards it.
)
The architect is Anca Petrescu, there's a fascinating documentary about this, made by VPRO for a tv-program about architecture and ethics. The program also featured an interview with his Remness about CCTV (in Dutch) and one with Shigeru Ban.
If you want to find out more here's a
link to this documentary (text in Dutch, download on the on the right) or read more.
an earlier post about that, with some pics
in that case why not the city of st. petersberg where several hundred thousand serfs were worked to death? just turn the romanian thang into upscale condos and give one to oana.
thanks vado!
ugly is as ugly does
i like chocolate easter bunnies.
Here's some humor on ugly architecture.
1. Ctrl-C
2. Ctrl-V
3. Rinse & Repeat
abuse of STRETCH in autocad
oops...
I cannot recall the project's name but it is underconstruction now. It is a graduate school in Canada (toronto?). Its a checker box raised on link-log sticks. ugh, I just cringe thinking about it.
mmm3
refer to this site, as posted above for your checker box raised on link-log sticks....
http://www.kunstler.com/eyesore_200311.html
its the ontario college of art & design by Will Alsop
btw, that website is absolutely great.
mm3, here you can cringe some more...
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.