Reading Comprehension 6

[1] A common theme of the early twentieth century found in Roth, Harwood, and Massey set the tone for an understanding of styles in architecture and design influenced by fine art. Selecting either Arts + Crafts or Art Nouveau, TRACE the influences of the selected style in more than two nations. In your answer, you should include evidence from the readings and at least two annotated images as support for your analysis of influences. [15 POINTS POSSIBLE]

The Arts and Crafts movement starts in Britain and slowly moves to the United States. Glass and iron are important materials that influence the architecture and design. This becomes a time in searching for modern. In “Understanding Architecture,” a theme occurs in which “Gothic architecture was good because it was handmade by workmen who took joy in their work” (Roth 493). William Morris, an English designer, recognizes that the clutter in the interior does not match the exterior. He borrows on the natural world and revives the medieval where true architecture existed. There are bad interpretations of the classics into mechanical imitations. Morris sees this and designs the Red House where the interior relies on the warmth of wood, clean lines, and limited clutter. The exterior is asymmetrical and consists of exposed red brick.

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Some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s early work relates to the English Arts and Crafts movement. Roth mentions, “he was loath to admit to any outside influences, he did acknowledge Morris’s design philosophy” (495). However, Wright embraces the introduction of the machine into his design. This raise the question of how to combine the use of handwork and the machine and which is better to use. In the Robie House, there is a strong sense of horizontal, which speaks to the landscape. There is an integrated approach in his design where his lights are in the ceiling or in the dining room table. The chimney becomes an important feature; it is freestanding and the only thing separating the living room and dining room. He uses roman brick on the exterior to elongate the horizontal intent and hides he front door for a sense of exploration. This speaks to the arts and crafts movement because of the craft and the interior speaking to the exterior. There I a unified approach in which dematerialization speaks to the true architecture.

[2] Originating at the Bauhaus and in the work of LeCorbusier, the so-called Modern movement deeply influenced design and architecture of the twentieth century. The great debate raised by this new approach to design involved the presence of the machine in the design process and final products. SPECULATE about the implications of “machines for living” and the famous dictum “less is more” on design today. Use at least one ARTIFACT, SPACE, or BUILDING in your answer, providing a salient image (cited) and annotation to help bolster your argument. [10 POINTS POSSIBLE]

The presence of the machine influences design and architecture. The machine creates a moving line and fluid style. Everything moves in the twentieth century, even the automobile. There is a notion for speed and movement. Le Corbusier mentions that “a house is a machine for living—it should be as practical as a typewriter, a telephone, an automobile—no clutter.” These objects that are invented are practical and get the job done faster. According to Le Corbusier, a house is meant to be practical. Here should not be clutter, which distracts from getting everyday housework done. Practicality means easy living and this is celebrated in the twentieth century through many artifacts, interiors, and surrounding buildings.

The Postal Savings Bank celebrates the machine as decoration. The interior looks industrial or a factory and does not have the feel of a typical bank. Appliances are exposed and decoration is minimal. Materials of glass and steel dominate the space to embrace the idea of the machine.

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The Villa Savoye by Corbusier focuses on form and geometric relations. Its inspiration comes from a machine. His design speaks to modern function and its beauty. The notion of pilotis or stilts allows the form to be lifted up. The automobile itself helps determine the form of the building. Figuring out the turning radius of an automobile determines the curved wall on the ground floor. The ribbon of windows provides much light in the interior spaces. The free plan is achieved using concrete, allowing curved walls to create special places.

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Both of these examples portray buildings in which the machine is celebrated. However, this raises the concern of if we are meant to live in a world where machines are for living. In today’s design, I think people continue to search the answer to this question. I think there is a stronger desire to relate to nature and our surroundings. This battle remains constant today trying to understand a world in which the machine merges with nature.

[3] From the assigned pages in Roth, Harwood, and Massey, SELECT an image that you believe explodes the notion that Modern interiors and objects were black and white. Fully RENDER your own design exploration of that image through color, material, and light and appropriately annotate and cite the image to prove this point.

I think that the image from the Massey reading, "Our Dancing Daughter's"set design explodes the notion that Modern interiors and objects were black and white. People went to see these movies regularly during the depression and these bright interiors made people feel something different during this time. People wanted their homes to look as glamorous as the sets were in the movies. However, they were not these black and hite objects. Rather, it was an explosion of color.