Organic Architecture

[usarender]

ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE

Organic architecture, one could say, is one which responds directly to the functional aesthetics of man and nature in such a way that it's corresponding form translates a sense of spatial and material connection to the organic properties as seen in nature.

This need not be a direct translation into organic forms as we see in nature.

But it does not preclude the need to allow the inherent functions to be an integral part of the form, and these two to respond to the natural environment and it's elements in such a way that the architecture creates a dialog with nature.

This dialog can be achieved by responding to a stream, to the sounds of nature, to the forms, shapes and colors around it, in such a way that the architecture embodies some sense of place in the environment that is connected in a sense to the timeless forms and orders of nature.

Our architecture being inserted in a completely natural surrounds can respond in a less conflicting manner then in the city. It can create a more direct connection and respond in a more direct way.

In the city and in urban centers, our architecture must respond to the built environment, to urban issues, to other buildings blocking or allowing light, to human corridors and paths of movement, to the views and winds of the city and the operating mechanisms set in place to provide the mechanical environments we so learn to live with on a daily basis. Thus, in a convoluted world of tensions and conflicting sources beaconing attention, there is less space for a direct harmonious link, as the crowded world of urban design brings in the age of the machine, the materials of the city and the aesthetics of the iconic architecture and "keash" architectural designs that evoke a sense of competitive expression. Thus, the architecture must compete with signs, billboards, the urban tissue and movement, with other architecture and becomes lost in a sea of expression and commercial messages.

In my view, to enable an understanding of "organic" architecture, one must study oriental society, philosophy and means of living and also the relationship between Western and Eastern values and culture.

It would be interesting to see alternate points of view on this subject and how we can better define "organic architecture" and how it applies to the modern concepts of design and architecture.

(fixed, thanks guys).

[Sam B'ham]

Organic architecture, as I understand it so far, is first about integrity – it’s an honest expression of humanity. Certainly, it is specific to its site; often it is inspired by nature. Wright recommended that his clients look for a site way beyond the edge of town, and then go a little farther out. You bet! But I’m not yet ready to concede that organic architecture has no place among city dwellers. I think an urban context presents a great design challenge – you have to do more with less (the Japanese of a century ago were masters). Homes that line up shoulder to shoulder have presence whether they like it or not. On such a lot, one gets just one bar to sing – maybe just one chord to play. Showmanship here is rudeness; status quo is cowardice. I think we must just let fly the honest, respectful expression of our idea in context.
I don’t believe that organic architecture is the sole property of individualism, even though that’s where it started. Maybe it’s greatest potential is in communities. As for “competitive expression,” let’s leave the clashing and shouting to the billboards and the neon – I’ll just take an alternate route.

[lekizz]

I would add that you need to take a broader definition of function. A function of architecture could be to provide sensual and spiritual fulfillment to the user. In that sense, orgaic shapes, textures, colours are not an optional bolt-on, but an integral part of the project.

[SDR]

preclude:

1. to prevent the presence, existence, or occurrence of; make impossible: The insufficiency of the evidence precludes a conviction.
2. to exclude or debar from something: His physical disability precludes an athletic career for him.

[csintexas]

Now let's not get all crazy and start using English correctly. After all, this is an architectural forum which means we all have creative license to use archispeak

[P.C.]

"After all, this is an architectural forum which means we all have creative license to use archispeak Laughing"

I like to test that !

[SDR]

Oh, you've tested it. . .

TTD. It's a thing that engineering types say and do. It means Test to Destruction. It's the practice of taking a perfectly good machine, engine, tool, what-have-you, and operating it at it's extreme maximum range until it fails catastrophically.

[usarender]

You have some good points Sam B'ham.

I must reflect, however, on the fact that a very stylish, "organic" or nature looking building that is highly organic in form, in the sense that it applies extremely unusual shapes frequently could be understood as an element out of context. Now, we see famous architects doing this, and they get by with it.

The most famous, obviously, was FLW -->>

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: UNITARIAN ARCHITECT

Wrights Guggenheim Museum, New York --->>>

Guggenheim Museum

Or even less well known guys like this that use "Flying Concrete"-->>

Flying Concrete

Architect Robert Harvey Oshatz is doing some very interesting things -->>

Robert Oshatz

Here is a very interesting link on Organic Architecture -->>

http://en.beurs-van-berlage.nl/tentoonstellingen/organisch.html

Man and Nature as a source of inspiration for building and construction

Organic Architecture is a school of architecture which started at the close of the nineteenth century. Pioniers as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Antoni Gaudí en Rudolf Steiner developped a kind of architectural thought, in which the central focus is the human condition, not only in a functional way but also in an emotional and an imaginary way.

Organic Architecture is inspired by the laws of living nature. All designs are made in full awareness of the ever lasting influence the environment has on the life of mankind, both physically as spiritually.
Characteristic for Organic Architecture is the free, floating way of expression. But also the search for new ways of building and constructing. Common aim the the healthfull live of individuals and organizations. In designing new forms and in finding new ways of building one tries to integrate natural elements, emotional values, art, the different stages of life and the social processes in society.


For students, this link contains some interesting conceptual projects -->>

Exhibition: Organic Architecture, man and nature as a source of inspiration for building

Arthur Dyson explores some interesting forms in this link -->>

Arthur Dyson

This San Francisco Institute of Architecture maintains a distance learning program in "Ecological Design". Now, it would be interesting to see if there are those who see a relationship between "organic architecture" and "ecological design".

There are many examples of organic architecture in our cities. So it has it's place both in natural surroundings away from the cities, and in the cities as well.

This guy uses a structural pole system as found in nature, and organic roof forms -->>

BIOMORPHIC ARCHITECTURE(II)-ORGANIC STRUCTURES

An interesting link on Organic Architecture in Amsterdam ---->>>

Organic Architecture in Amsterdam


"Organic Architecture is seen by today's Dutch Architects not as a specific style, but an integrated approach to design. It is the continual search for an harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural social and cultural environment - good for the planet, good for humanity."

and --->>

[SDR]

I'm with Sam.

". . . a very stylish, "organic" or nature looking building that is highly organic in form, in the sense that it applies extremely unusual shapes . . ." is not my idea of a desirable architecture of any kind, much less Organic.

Anybody can indulge in the unusual (not to say the outrageous). Among favorite Wright structures -- the ones that Wrightians discuss endlessly -- are not found the spirals, the towers (Mile High or otherwise), the Arabian water fantasies -- but the calm and restful (and decidedly geometric, not Blobular) houses, both early and late. Yes, these are Organic in whatever ways Wright meant the term.

SDR

[Sam B'ham]

usarender,
thanks for the links! You've got some really interesting ones there. I especially like the "Flying Concrete" and I hadn't heard of Oshatz, but I'm intrigued! I have also enjoyed Calatrava's work - there is really nothing else like it.
Sam

[usarender]

Anyone got any ideas on the connection between organic architecture and oriental architecture?

The Silver Screen of Architecture

THE NEW SILVER SCREEN OF ARCHITECTURE - Main Link

(To view the forum postings, just click on the blue letters above).

[SDR]

First we have to agree on what organic (Organic ?) architecture is.

Is it anything or everything by Wright ? (He seems to have originated the term, as applied to architecture.) Is it everything Wright built after he first used the term ? (When was that ?) Is it architecture that has an apparent connection to natural processes of growth -- whether "blobby" or geometric ? Is it architecture that uses natural (ie, biodegradable or recycled/recyclable) material ?

SDR

Wright used "organic" in the Hull House lecture of 1901, and "organic architecture" in a speech in 1916.

[ahmeds]

First we have to agree on what organic (Organic ?) architecture is.-SDR

harmonaisation of nature and architecture

[P.C.]

Google will answer that.
But when nature are replaced by a build inviroment , say in a town ; are we going to realise a town as "nature" -- or just realise that this has nothing to do with the design of the building while the same building in the "nature" , -- how much of that is where there are build, -- the same building in a town is still the same design of building structure.

[csintexas]

I guess if Frank coined the term we would start off with his definition.

Also here is the Wiki entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_architecture

In the final analysis it will always come down to someones opinion unless someone comes up with a definitive test.

I haven't studied oriental architecture. I don't think there is any particular connection between oriental and organic architecture other than some oriental architecture may be organic. I would think pre-industrialized architecture would tend to be more organic, but a pyramid doesn't seem very organic to me.