"Less is more"

“Imagine a project that does not need to be constructed, because – being a tree – it grows by itself. Such a project only needs to be planted”

This represents one of the finalist designs of the European Competition of Architecture, Design, Realisations in Eco and Agro-Materials for their proposal ‘ATREE?’. Board (Bureau of Architecture, Research, and Design) used fast growing willow trees to realize their design.

The notion of a living installation that evolves with time makes me wonder how can that be taken to an architectural level. I do believe a house evolves together with the inhabitants but can it also evolve without us as users controlling it?!

The concept of tree house is always fascinating. Almost nostalgic, poetic. We see the idea used over and over again in today’s design. The concept of the Bridge House by Max Pritchard is enchanting. However how successful it is remains a personal opinion. I don’t know why i find the idea of corrugated metal in the middle of nature repulsive. This house feels almost like an abandoned trailer in the middle of nature.

The architect’s argument is that they have used local recyclable materials; therefore the corrugated metal is perfectly acceptable. Surely using recyclable materials is something to consider but as designers I think we should be able to merge that with aesthetics.

I started to find the idea of architecture and water enchanting. We usually think of a home as a shelter, an oasis for us to to step away from the fast paced industrial life. The notion of water is somewhat calming. Blurring the edge between what nature gives us and design can create a unique experience.

http://www.wallflower.com.sg/

This design by Joanna Borek takes the notion of boat house to a new meaning.

The forms reflect the movement of water. While it’s mesmerizing, the spiral forms and the idea of water movement makes me think of dizziness. The design does however step away from the conventional form. We don’t normally associate a boat house with this kind of aesthetic. But why shouldn’t we? Technology does offer us the possibility to break out of the norm and too many designs stay in the safe zone.

http://joannaborek.com/

Yes I agree my obsession with Japanese architecture is evident. Minimalist design with attention to forms and details. The I-House by Kubota Architects in Hiroshima left me breathless.

It feels as if the house takes in the surroundings. The water seems to be part of the house reflecting in the materials.

We can clearly see the influences from modernism and more exactly from Mies. We can see a blend of cultures. Subtle elements of traditional Japanese culture can be seen in the details of the house while the use of forms embrace the values of Modernism.

Heidegger believed that technology is a use in itself. More than that, that technology uses us and not the other way around. Technology is clearly part of today’s design. It surely gives us the possibility to take design to a new levels through more complex forms, innovative materials and what used to be considered science fiction structures.

Are we however in control of technology or does is dictate us a new aesthetic?

Hiroshi Nakamura’s Dancing Trees, Singing Birds complex takes the idea of bringing architecture in to a new level. The building blends in with the surrounding. First reaction was that in some respects it looks too ‘macabre’. Not a lot of light seemed to penetrate the building. In the same time I found ti cluttered: too many things happening in the same time. And yet extremely charming.

The interior is the biggest surprise. It’s like bringing Mies to Japan in the 21st century.

The building comes alive when viewed from inside out. Nature is brought in through materials, reflections, natural light. The minimalist interior, use of materials and forms are reminiscent of Mies. 

Each appartment comes with its own theme to create a different athmosphere. The link however it nature. In the heart of industrial Tokyo, Nakamura creates an oasis that celebrates nature.

http://www.nakam.info/english/index.html

Farnsworth House! Still remains one of the most iconic modernist architectural projects. Mies van Der Rohe pushed Farnsworth to the limits in order to achieve his vision. Today we can appreciate its pure aesthetic beauty but do as designers still embrace some of the ideals portrayed by Modernism?!

Farnsworth House probably portrays best those ideals. Stripping down the object to its purest form, recognition for the past but embracing the future, embracing nature are simply a few of the Modernism ideals that are still valid today. We see them incorporated globally into contemporary design. We are at the point where technology alongside nature have become an integral part of design. We are embracing and merging them more than ever. However, I believe today those ideals are not simply just copied, but they have evolved with time.