The Critique

I would like to continue our discussion from class last week regarding critiques in architectural publications perhaps being too chummy, generally over-flattering, and most definitely uncritical towards the work being written about.

Given the nature of architecture school and how constructive criticism is crucial to the learning process, how do professionals grow and learn from other prominent projects when nearly everything written in major publications about new buildings lacks depth, insight, critical feedback, and reads like a plug for the designer and/or profession?

Is a shift in the architect's understanding of the critique to be once again accepting of legitimate criticism about a project possible in the professional realm? If so, how?

Manifesto Part 2

Do manifestos have more power as words or as artifacts that show what is being described? Would it make sense to show imagery for a design manifesto to better explain what is being talked about?

Do you think that typography is enough to explain concepts of a visual design format?





The image above is from Patrik Schumacher talking about Parametricism. Does it better explain parametricism then his manifesto?

image from http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/

Theoretical Lens

Does a designer need to adhere to one specific theory? Can one theory create an all-encompassing understanding of design? Is the Pluralist approach more appropriate for contemporary design , or does this method of inclusion dilute the architecture?

The Manifesto

What is the importance of a manifesto? What do manifestoes contribute to the design community? In addition to defining principles, it is intended to evoke emotion. This emotion is meant to spark action. Manifestos innately are tactile, or more than just words, they find a form to provide a message to a community. Architects as well are striving to find a form that evokes an emotional response and provides a message to a community. Successful architecture exists within a specific place and time, are manifestoes intended to exist only within a specific space and time, or are they eternal?