Reading Two: For an Architecture of Reality

Reading Two
9.8.2010
For an Architecture of Reality
Michael Benedikt

1) What is the reality Michael Benedikt writes about?

The reality that Michael Benedikt writes about is the reality of architecture. He explains many different types of this reality and enlightens us of how each type of reality is linked to architecture.

2) 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?

Architecture of Jokes- This type of architecture is a play on architecture as we know it. Windows are out of proportion and order, and Columns are holding the building off of the ground. These buildings have a childish feel to them in the sense that no measurement was made while building. Like objects were placed randomly. There is an artificial condition to these buildings.

Architecture of Games- This kind of architecture seems to have rules like a board game. There is a specific right and wrong was to complete the puzzle. It also has a step by step process of how to produce the final product.

Architecture of Dreams- This type of architecture has a false sense of reality. Like something we would see in our dreams subconsciously.

Architecture of Illusions- This type of architecture puts off false acquisition of what the object really consists of. This can be achieved by things such as paint, materials, false balconies, or rooms that cannot be entered. This is very strong in buildings that put off a false sense of material and structure.

3) 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 occurs in almost everything and varies from person to person. Churches, battlefields, shopping malls, and universities are just a few places that represent something bigger than themselves. The closest we can get to non-symbolic places are utilities such as parking lots, manholes, electrical lines, and rooftops. These all are purely used for functionality and have no history.

4) 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?

Post modern architecture that is present in the city would be buildings that are understood to us as something else. Examples of post modernism would be Robert Venturi’s mother’s house, and Ricardo Legorreta’s Public Library in San Antonio. Impression of stability and social equality was a component that was trying to be built into modern architecture.

5) The four components that define the “realness” of 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?

Presence- This component of the realness of architecture isn’t apologetic in any way. It stands strong and makes itself known. It also has appropriateness and looks as if it was meant to be built there.

Significance- The collective value of architecture. This component of the realness of architecture is less about functionality and more about how people relate to the building depending on how they value it or the importance it has to them.

Materiality- This component has to do with how materials are used. They should not be used to support of give false acquisitions about the structure of the building or the way it was built. The materials should be used authentically, and it is more focused on the use of materials rather than the choice.

Emptiness- This component represents the void between columns and the space that is part of a building that still has a presence. It is the containment of space. An example of this is the Kimble Art Museum. Emptiness (2)- This type of emptiness draws you to emptiness, it has a gravitation to it.