Diversity and Homogeneity in Architecture

 Diversity and Homogeneity in Architecture

The flat earth 'theory' is one that many people believe to be ridiculous. This is true on a scientific and physical level, as we can physically prove that the earth is indeed cylindrical. However, on a more philosophical level, due to human advancements in communication and the ease of travel, the earth is getting flatter. It has never been easier to travel from the United States for example, to Japan or From the United Kingdom to Australia. This interconnectivity has allowed the world to greater or lesser extents, become more diverse and whole. However, in Architecture it is not always the best to create a sameness between structures which span multiple countries. This is because, these buildings were first designed to fit a specific countries culture and ideology. If you then go and place it in another country, two things can happen. It will either, be forgotten as it does not represent the place it is in, or it will cause the culture around it to fade.

There are two key examples here:

The Roman Empire, for example spread its ideas, culture and architecture throughout Europe. Even to this day, we have been affected by what the Romans created. The UK for example, was conquered by the Romans (apart from Scotland) by 87AD. London, our capital city was founded by them, most of our language comes from latin including in science. Even though some could argue that the Romans reformed Britain and allowed us to thrive, we lost a lot of our ancient culture as well. This is an important lesson not just to architects but to the whole world, that the idea of having the same structures or ideas in every countries, even though it might be beneficial, can in turn be severely damaging to the culture of those countries.

A more modern example is that of McDonalds. It retains its sameness throughout the world, as the iconic Golden Arches and the red colour scheme. This has its advantages for the business itself and the customer as a whole, as they can easily tell that it is a McDonalds wherever they go. However, it also means that there is no cultural diversity, no acceptance of the country they are in apart from some menu changes. In broader terms, it does not respect or learn from its place in the world both naturally and culturally.

         

Richard Leplastrier, uses the idea of drawing from place. He believes in being conscious of surroundings and that place is as important as the building itself.

Architecture, is not only as destructive force though. One of the most impactful architectural developments is the Wawasan 2020 project. In 1991, the Prime Minister of Malaysia created a plan that Malaysia would be a developed nation by 2020. He believed that this could be achieved through architecture and making Malaysia iconic. One of the most famous buildings from this development is the Petronas towers situated in the capital. 

One of the ways in which a developing nation is recognised internationally is by adopting architecture from an already existing developed nation. This is an example of interconectedness helping a country or people financially and physically while hindering culture and the countries own personal development.

This is all a version of transcultural architecture. The Alhambra Palace in Spain for example, which is a perfect definition for this. It was built by the Moors after they invaded Spain, and has stood ever since, as a monument to history and the eve changing structure of the world around us.

This links to the quote that "Today is a city of glass and steel"

Making Place

Following on from the previous idea that space and culture is important, is the question, how do we make 'space'?.

The original creators of space used the Retreat, Prospect and Reason method explained in the previous blog. However, it is slightly different in the modern world, these requirements have evolved and changed into a new form of thinking.

For example, you could compare the designs of traditional aboriginal houses to that of Richard Leplastrier's house 

The aboriginal hut is made for the purpose of shelter from the heat and protection from the weather. Leplastrier's house is also designed for that purpose, but also with comfort and relaxation in mind. Due to the modern world's abundance of amenities, architects can focus more on the comfort and looks of the   building, rather than the ease to construct and the basic needs of the user. 

To create place you must define place. Different countries define this in different ways. In Asia their tends to be a quite significant threshold you must pass before entering the building, in Europe is is fences and other dividers which denote territory. Other ways in which place is defined is through platforms and staircases like the Forbidden City in Beijing. Which partly inspired the steps for the Sydney Opera house along with typical Aztec design.

Another way to define place is to become one with the place itself. This can be through nature, and embracing it instead of removing it. 

In the end, architectural ideas travel and change the way we do things. Whether it is negative or positive, is is undeniable that architecture is a driving force of both culture and prosperity around the world. However, very few have mastered the are of combining the two, thus settling for one or the other. This is a key idea that we all must work towards for a future that is economically stable, but also culturally diverse.

"I believe that the way people live can be directed a little by architecture"

-Tadao Ando