You will research two buildings that you find to have an interesting design.
Address the five questions about the previous houses;
- What types of materials were used in the construction of the house?
- How does the design of the house reflect the time period it was created in?
- What technology is obvious in the house design? (For example, how was heating and cooling dealt with? How was lighting handled?)
- What are the similarities between the two designs?
- What are the aesthetic qualities of the designs?
Building 1: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain
1. What types of materials were used in the construction of the house?
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is renowned for its unique titanium-clad exterior. The building's exterior is made of interconnected titanium panels, which give it a shimmering and reflective appearance. The interior features limestone and glass as prominent materials.
2. How does the design of the house reflect the time period it was created in?
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was designed by architect Frank Gehry and completed in 1997. Its architectural style, known as Deconstructivism, reflects the contemporary art movement of the late 20th century. The fragmented and expressive design of the building captures the spirit of the postmodern era.
3. What technology is obvious in the house design?
The building incorporates advanced technology to provide climate control. The architects employed a combination of passive and active systems to regulate temperature and lighting. The extensive use of glass allows for natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Additionally, the building features a radiant heating and cooling system to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
4. What are the similarities between the two designs?
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the following building both showcase contemporary designs that challenge traditional architectural norms. Furthermore, both structures incorporate extensive use of glass, allowing for ample natural light to enter their interiors.
5. What are the aesthetic qualities of the design?
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece. Its aesthetic qualities include a fluid and organic shape, dynamic lines, and a unique blend of materials. The titanium exterior adds a sense of lightness and reflective beauty, while the interior spaces are characterized by open and flowing layouts that create a sense of exploration.
Building 2: Fallingwater, Pennsylvania, USA
1. What types of materials were used in the construction of the house?
Fallingwater, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1939, is primarily constructed using reinforced concrete and stone. The horizontal cantilevered design of the house gives it a strong connection to the natural rock formations and waterfalls surrounding it.
2. How does the design of the house reflect the time period it was created in?
Fallingwater is considered a prime example of organic architecture, which was a significant movement in the early 20th century. The design emphasizes the integration of the built environment with nature, allowing the inhabitants to have a close relationship with their surroundings. The house's integration with the landscape and use of natural materials reflect the values of the time period.
3. What technology is obvious in the house design?
Fallingwater incorporates several forward-thinking technological features for its time. The house features radiant in-floor heating, which was considered innovative at the time. Additionally, the building incorporates a water management system, purposefully designed to collect rainwater and redirect it away from the house's foundations.
4. What are the similarities between the two designs?
Both the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Fallingwater embrace a unique and unconventional aesthetic. Moreover, both buildings make use of advanced technologies to ensure comfort and efficiency within their respective spaces.
5. What are the aesthetic qualities of the design?
Fallingwater is celebrated for its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment. Its aesthetic qualities include horizontality, clean lines, and a strong sense of unity with the landscape. The cantilevered design of the house creates a sense of weightlessness, making it appear as if it is naturally balanced over the waterfall. The use of native stone and extensive use of glass allows the house's interior spaces to blend seamlessly with the exterior beauty.