Nature and Constructed I
What is the role of nature in architecture today? Is nature predominantly a design metaphor, a set of physical factors to emulate, or a set of physical factors to overcome or oppose; some combination of these; or something else? Use contemporary case studies only. Use quotes from the 3 articles to support your point of view. Please reference them properly.
Nature is an important part of the context in traditional architecture, in general. Architecture responds to local conditions such as climate, geology and seismic conditions. Local building materials and their properties are key in the technical design.
Reconnection
Connection to nature, access to the outdoors, and participation in nature-based activities were among a wide range of enjoyable activities. Older people living in private homes or in residential care provided evidence that connection to outdoors plays a key role in their quality of life for many reasons, including sensory stimulation, supporting social life by engaging with community and neighbourhood, contact with wildlife, fresh air, physical exercise, having a pleasant view, distraction from the day to day routine, stimulation for conversation and reminiscence.
“We must modify, redouble, measure situate and utilise the landscape in order to know and meet the environment as a geographical totality of concrete things which are inseparable from their historical organisation.”
Vittorio Gregotti
BIRE BITORI RESTAURANT CONCEPT by TALL ARQUITECTOS
‘bire bitori’, meaning ‘a plate’ in the indigenous Mexican language Tarahumara, is a restaurant and concept developed by chef Maria Andrea Payne. Local studio tall arquitectos has unveiled the first images of the project which drastically cantilevers itself off a cliff in the Sierra Tarahumara mountain range. from the approach, the only visible elements are simple gestures of concrete that emphasize the horizontality of the landscape, with a vast sky above and a reflective pool that marks the entry. Upon descending the stairs to the dining area, a peripheral ring of tables frames a central open-air patio complete with a glass floor that looks down the copper canyon, immersing guests with the full experience of local flavours, materials, and landscape. By simplifying the design as much as possible, using primarily only one building material that relates to the local rock, the gastronomical experience lends to the rich history of the area. suspending visitors over the famous canyon that defines the location and its people offer a full, rounded dining experience.
Nature for Visual Inspiration
Visual inspiration is relatively well understood and widely used. In this case, picture of various living organisms, or their system, are used to create similarly looking engineering systems.
Aqua Tower by Studio Gang Architects
The building promises a sculptural shape reminding the geologic shapes from the great lakes region. Aqua tower considers criteria such as views, solar shading and function to derive a vertical system of contours that gives the structure its sculptural form. Its vertical topography is defined by its outdoor terraces that gradually change in plan over the length of the tower. These terraces offer a strong connection to the outdoors and allow inhabitants to occupy the building façade and city simultaneously. The result is a highly sculptural building when viewed obliquely that transforms into a slender rectangle from further away. Its powerful form suggests the limestone outcroppings and geologic forces that shaped the great lakes region.
In conclusion, man seeking shelter from nature was the start of architecture. Nowadays we find large densely urbanized areas where nature is almost totally banned. We acknowledge that man needs a balanced relationship with nature instead of total separation from it and we seek for pieces of nature in our artificial environment. Green is seen as an essential part of architectural context. Therefore, again nature is key in architecture, be it that nature is considered an important issue in urban planning.
With nature providing such joy and many health benefits, it is time that architects and planners leverage designs that highlight the environment in our built spaces. We can hope that beyond making a healthier and happier world, we can also prompt a more ethical relationship to nature.
“Design transforms awareness. Designs that grow out of and celebrate place ground us in place. Designs that work in partnership with nature articulate an implicit hope that we might do the same.”
Sim Van De Ryn and Stuart Cowan
