The Field – Architectural Theory
The architectural convention I chose to focus on was the field. Although the initially a rather contemporary subject, notions of the field can be seen as early as 1st century BC in the writings of Vitruvius.
“The field describes a space of propagation, of effects. It contains no matter or material points, rather functions, vectors and speeds. It describes local relations of difference within fields of celerity, transmission or of careering points.” This was stated by Sanford Kwinter, in 1986, living in New York. It is a response to architecture as seen through the construct of Einsteinian Physics. Kwinter is primarily associated with the Digital Turn.
“Three-dimensional continuum, capable of metrical subdivision, without sacrifice of its continuity.” This was stated by Reyner Banham, in 1960, living in England. It is a response to architecture as seen through the construct of Geoffrey Scott’s architecture of humanism. Banham is primarily associated with Post-modernism.
“Order in architecture means the presence of fixed relations in the position, the character, and the magnitude of its parts. It enables us to interpret what we see with greater readiness; it renders form intelligible by making it coherent; it satisfies the desire of the mind; it humanizes architecture.” This was stated by Geoffrey Scott, in 1914, living in England. It is a response to architecture as seen through the construct of Humanism. Scott is primarily associated with the Classicism.
“… it was there that the idea of the picture plane as uniformly activated field was most entirely understood. With Picasso, Braque, Gris, Leger, Ozenfant, we are never conscious of the picture plane functioning in any passive role. Both it, as negative space, and the objects placed upon it, as positive figure, are endowed with an equal capacity to stimulate.” This was stated Colin Rowe and Robert Slutzky, in 1955. It is a response to architecture as seen through the...