Week 4 -People and lifestyles

Week 4 -Sustainable Future

Week 4 -Reading Reflections

The topics investigated by Winters relating to architecture needing to aspire and be more than just form and function are very strong. I found the peice well written and easy to understand. But it is mearly stating the obviuos to an extent. After 3-4 years of studying architecture, my knowledge may not be vast, but I have come to grips with this concept of architecture needing to be more than just form and function. Most designers know the relavence and importance of anthropological studies and the impact they have on designing buildings. Architectural designs are more than just buildings that look good and satisfy the obvious needs of people. Every single one is a monument, a temple to anyone, no-one and everyone.

Manaugh discusses a topic that as a current design student, I can relate to very much. I agree that part of creating effective architects for the future is making them tough -architecturally tough and futureproof. I feel we currently have that freedom to experiment and try new things in our studuies. Our current assignment is a prime example of this, no doubting why this reading was posted by Yasu. Innovation within design starts in the classroom, not the office.

Week 3 -Building on a green agenda

I found this talk from Norman Foster very interesting, featuring a few of his iconic projects. Discussing the progression of technology influencing design, sustainability and designing for the future (in the past and present).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNgkEGs1l4A

Week 3 -Reading reflections

Brand's article was very enlightening, clearly explaining how buildings can reinvent and regenerate themselves. Breaking down the use of space within buildings on a physical and financial level, with good use of graphs and diagrams making it easier to understand. One thing I drew from this reading was that change can be subjective, it can happen within either because alterations have been made to the building or because the context/environment in which the building is located has changed. So even if the building is physically the same, one can still view it as changing because the environment has changed.

Zelfde talks about the virtual city within a real one via the use of mobile devices. One of the differences between these two, is this virtual city is so portable, it can even go to the countryside. But despite this, I feel the physical framework of the real city is required for the 'virtual' to have any meaning or relevance. The virtual city has huge potential, with improved powers of networking. The video below discusses the benefits of this networking and openness in a very inspiring way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfqwHT3u1-8

Week 2 -Reading reflections

Barton compares theories of rural dispersion and compaction within cities, weighing up the pro's and con's of the two. Personally I think that having denser and more compact cities in the future is a more sustainable way to accommodate for the growth of future populations. As explained by Alex Steffen in the video below, denser cities have many sustainable benefits for the future expansion of the human race.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDjbJJlqZ0

The second reading preaches the lessons that are there to be learnt in times of prolific innovation, where we have confidence in our technology. It pays to heed the advice left by our predecessors, no matter how important it might seem to not take heed -ignorance is bliss. Relates to last weeks reading by Koerth-Baker, that discusses how we progress and innovate by learning from our mistakes.


With Motovalli's article, I can easily understand why the term 'green' has been manipulated and taken advantage of and it isn't going to stop anytime soon. Frankly we should stop whinging about it and get on with coining new innovative terms for our sustainable innovations.

Week 2 -Rise of the 'Nanny State'

If the situation in Australia is anything to go by, then in other western 'developed nations' the nanny state is on the rise. As nations become more economically developed, there is an added premium on life; life becomes more precious. With increased standards of living and life expectancy, each and every child is more more precious and their future more invested in. But the legislation that governs our lives also follows this trend, telling us all the things we cant do anymore and the consequences that result from breaking these new rules. I'm not discussing the big crimes, rather the small ones wether it be riding a bicycle without a helmet or smoking a cigarette in the "non-smoking" section of an outdoor terrace in a bar/restaurant. I am not going to argue a case for these things, but I do think they will have an influence on design. Design in the future is going to be as safe as ever, Australian standards will change in accordance with what is culturally acceptable. No more sharp edges, ramps will only become flatter. Electronic safety will become an increased feature, more CCTV and sophisticated security systems. As good as all these things are, I have never been a fan of these trends, because these minor choices we make should be ours and these laws impinge on our freedom and ability to take a few risks. Risks make us feel excited and alive, lets hope it won't make architecture boring.