Architecture and Landscape.
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I think It might actually be much easier to separate favourite buildings, spaces, architects etc up by category. I think it might be a very useful exercise to discuss, reference to buildings which do well in the Irish natural landscape. As many people seem to have their favourite piece of architecture, as some type of building in the landscape. And then perhaps discuss favourite open spaces on a different thread.
One thing which intrigues myself about building in the countryside, is the changing light and views, you see through your window each season. Bearing in mind, that Ireland doesn’t have distinct seasons, like say Denmark etc – Snow etc. – you still find gradation of light, and some changes in nature. I quite like these images in an Irish context, restraint of materials and expression etc – strong and understated, like the landscape itself.
2 Winter light and views. Cold, hard, clear light/weather.
1 Spring light and views. Thawing out, everything soaking wet, hear the grass growing.
3 Summer light and views. Hazy, aromas, green-blue blinding light.
4 Autumn light and views. Sharp, golden.
Btw, I have spoken a small bit about this phenomena of light and design in relationship to restaurant premises in Temple Bar. A totally different context to the Irish landscape, but much the same idea in many ways.
I have to say, I am partial to this expression of clear volumes and strong clear slit openings in the landscape too. If handled well. A bit basic in terms of design development maybe, but nonetheless a good strong expression relative to the power of the landscape again. This image shows us a quite simple bungalow type design, but still it manages to be a little bit more. Dunno how this would weather here?
I am a real fan of the Meier house designs, this was his very first. This probably is denser in terms of accomodation, but nevertheless, manages to project that same simple strong expression. In our rural context, even though we no longer live off the land, doesn’t mean we forget those roots.
Something about this, which kind of scales better in an old agricultural environment. I mean, when you have this settings, why spoil them with imation anything? Why not just endeavour to be more honest about form and volume? That response in the image is restrained and pretty honest I think.
Of course, there are other elements
in the landscape, like trees, which are really part of the architecture too. Those crazy snow montainy people? A cross between some expensive rucksack and a house!Japanesse tearoom a la moderne? German Huff houses are like these too. Outdoor room use or perhaps a quiet space away from it all? Landscaping, water, quietness. In hotter climates, certainly this idea is part of the definition of a house in the landscape. What does the house in the landscape represent for you? A safe snug protected place perhaps?
This reminds me of a cut down version of the Beckett Theatre in Trinty. Plain honest expression of timber post and beam. As Kahn was used to doing, one strong aperture, which defines a ‘room’ inside, people are orientated inside, by the strength of the great window. Usually shutters etc, would be used to vary the opening on bright/dull days for light and avoiding glare etc.
Okay, lets include Mies with another different but sucessful interpretation of post and beam in a house for the natural landscape. A similar interpretation here.
Dunno, what it would cost but, bungalows are far too predictable in terms of what openings you normally find in them. Irregardless of room, you can almost guess who are going to meet the same basic standard windows, before even being into the Irish bungalow.
Some nice house designs, perhaps different climate to here, but still, good examples of use of space etc, etc. Projects> Residentail.
http://www.bauton.com/home.html
Fantastic online resource.
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