EXERCISE 1.1A

From Object to Field

“Field conditions can be any formal or spatial matrix capable of unifying diverse elements while respecting the identity of each” Donald Judd writes. The goal of a field condition is to create orders within local spaces. Like the success of the Cordoba Mosque due to its internal relationships field conditions work in a bottom-up manner, building on, adding additions.  Field conditions are not related to an overarching syntax but rather intricacies that work together to create a singular focus.

Walking out of Cubism

In the same way that minimalism came to be through the sense of exhaustion of sculptors minimalism could leave. The period we are in seems to revolve heavily around the same ideas, materials, and styles as we attempt a minimalist and sustainable design. Often we correlate the word “modern” and “house” together and we get some crazy boxes with white, concrete and exposed wood everywhere which some people like and others don’t. Opposed to this definition of a modern house I was able to become a lot more open-minded when I thought of a modern space as something that can use our improved knowledge and resources to its advantage all with the goal to work for the people.

Historical Precedents

The idea of historical precedents is one that should be used for learning rather than taking. To understand what makes a place in history so strong rather than taking the forms without analysis does no good for anyone. Rather, deconstruct your precedent and find its underlying principles so that you may apply them to your own works. Do this in such a way that your work does not have a great resemblance to a historical precedent, unless intended so, otherwise, your work becomes more of a reconstruction than an original idea.

Additions

Additions often happen a significant amount of time in the future, enough to where the nature of the addition can become puzzling not only when talking about additions within a building but on all different scales. We are surrounded by additions whether it be sidewalk extensions, a new home or skyscrapers. Additions are commonly practiced to be similar to their surroundings in thee essence of the period. There are many examples of additions that attempt to do the opposite of this and create a modern iteration such as the Boston Library which after being built had to undergo $78 million dollars in the renovation because the design was inadequate for the activities.

Overarching Syntax

When Rafael Moneo quoted “I do not believe that the Cordoba Mosque has been destroyed by all these modifications. Rather I think that the fact that the mosque continues to be itself in face of all these inventions is a tribute to its own integrity.” it showed how you can still achieve powerful spaces without an overarching syntax as long as you maintain a singular focus. While seeming the same at first you can see the difference when looking at Le Corbusier Hospital in Venice which has a clear overarching syntax in its physical forms but has no singular focus with the purpose of those forms. Le Corbusier Venice Hospital places blocks in ways that establish multiple spaces while Cordoba Mosque uses its singular focus to create a “tribute to its own integrity”. This use of singular focus helps provide order when overarching syntax seems lost.