Flatland Questions

Stan Allen describes field conditions as “bottom-up phenomena: defined not by overarching geometrical schemas but by intricate local connections.” What are some field condition examples that can be found in the road systems of Lubbock?

The main field conditions found are those such as the grading found on the roads which have a very noticeable arc in order to prevent water build up in the middle of the road.  Another field condition is the grid structure of Lubbock, being based heavily based on axial construction.

In part 1, Allen distinguishes a geometric relationship of classical architecture from an algebraic combination of the Cordoba Mosque. How do these two architectural examples differ?

Geometric relationships are based off simple figures and and shapes while algebraic combinations are based off complex curves and shapes formed by complex equations.

What are some other examples of field conditions that can be observed around campus?

The different types of pavement, the fields of grass, and the structures themselves serve as a field condition.

How does a field condition stand to redefine the relation between figure and round?

It helps create a balance between positive and negative space.  It helps fill or create a void, helping change the effect of the existing figures around.

What is the reality Michael Benedikt writes about?

He talks about the reality as perception.  Dreams are a reality and can be felt but are not real.  Reality such as the news is real but cannot be felt due to it's indirect contact with the individual.

Benedikt describes degrees of reality in architecture as: Architecture of Dreams, Architecture of Games, Architecture of Illusions, Architecture of Enactments and Architecture of Jokes. What are some example buildings that fall under these categories?

The Architecture of Dreams: "Emilio's Folly" 

The Architecture of Games: "The Manhattan Transcripts"

The Architecture of Illusions: "Mural, Krayer Building" 

The Architecture of Jokes: "Commercial Building" - Austin, TX

The Architecture of Re-Enactment: "University of Houston School of Architecture"

The Architecture of Pre-Enactment: "Centre Pompidou" - Paris

Benedikt describes “direct esthetic experience of the real” as being moments without symbolism. Where in our environment does symbolism occur and where in our environment is symbolism absent? What is an example of this situation?

Symbolism can be found throughout most of the city, embodying the purpose and creator of the structure such as a church in an older part of town or the flamboyant city hall building.  Symbolism is absent in most of the mechanical systems and infrastructures of the city.  Having little or no symbolism, things like modern roads serve as only a modern function showing nothing more than a simple purpose.

Although Benedikt’s position pulls examples from the 70‘s and 80‘s to illustrate that an architecture of reality is polar to the post-modern architecture movement, this condition continues to exist today. Where in the city would be examples of an architecture of reality and post-modern architecture?

The architecture of reality would be like the civil utilities and roadways of a city being important to the function of the city but going through unnoticed due to it's lack of direct relationship to the city and its inhabitants.    The post-modern architecture would be found in the more along the lines of a museum or a shopping center or the city's landmark, showing the imagination and having a more direct connection to the city through its visual and physical effect on the city and it's inhabitants.

The four components that define the “realness” of an architecture for reality are: presence, significance, materiality, and emptiness (in two categories). How do these components relate to architecture? and What are some examples of architectural elements that make up these conditions?

The ability to perceive a presence is the ability to identify the existence of a building. In architecture the building not only appears to exist, but stands out among other structures giving it more of an importance over the others.  Significance can be described as the importance of the building in conjunction with other structures.  The structure is significant in regards not only to its presence but also the lack or uniformity of presence in other buildings. Materiality is the ability to physically identify the building. Being made of concrete and physical materials the building's materiality gives it it's presence and significance.  Emptiness is the excess of space in a building.  It helps enhance the dimensions of the building increasing its significance and its presence.