LECTURE 12
ARTICLE READING
What is the role of nature in architecture today? Is nature predominantly a design metaphor, a set of physical factors to emulate, or a set of physical factors to overcome or oppose; some combination of these; or something else?
Nature is an important part in architecture, it is the representation of nature environment, the context, physical and environmental factors to be considered in design, like topography, sun orientaion, the prevailing wind, rainfall, so on and so forth. According to Marc Antoine, architecture is actually an effect of humans seeking shelter from the elements of nature. Nature provides both the conditions to which humans protect themselves, as well as the means to create this protection such as variety in landscapes and building materials. Undeniable, nature in architecture always represents the environment.
Architecture responds to local conditions such as climate, geology and seismic conditions. Local building materials and their properties are key in the technical design. Architecture has become independent from its natural since early twentieth century. With becoming an independent art, architecture found references in its own realm. The materials used do not necessarily indicate the geographical location of the project.
Punibach hydroelectric power station is located in a very delicate natural, the architect manage the architectural integration between form, function and environment. This time the goal was to smoothly integrate the rather bulky volume into a gentle hilly landscape. Punibach hydroelectric power station was thus conceived as an almost linear fracture in the grassland, perfectly assimilated to the surroundings but without hiding its character. It suddently brakes the landscape open to reveal the machines in its interiors, which serve to transform natural powers into useful energy.
To my mind, modern era architecture tend to use existed nature elements around the site as a source, this makes nature become one of the main reference and guideline to design. Nature at the site becomes the first consideration when architect wants to implant an idea into the piece of land. Thus, nature is a design metaphor and a set of physical factors to overcome. Besides that, I think nature is also mainly a combination of design metaphor and also set of physical factors for human being to emulate too.
Hydroelectric Power Station Punibach designed by monovolume architecture. The Punibach hydroelectric power station is conceived as a fracture in the landscape. Harmonically integrated in its surroundings, it suddently brakes it open and reveals the machines in its interiors, which serve to transform natural powers into useful energy.
The concrete slab rammed into the ground separates the smooth hilly landscape and the raw building structure made out of natural, earth coloured materials. By night the appearance changes radically. Whilst the landscape disappears in the darkness, the power station glows through the lamellar facade, becoming a distinctive landmark visible from the main road not far away.
ØvreForsland power station designed by Stein Hamre. The main idea is that the power stations should adapt to the site. The given task for the architect was to find the best way to make their new power stations adapt to the site, and at the same time function as attraction sand destinations. The station appears as a new mysterious rock in this scenery. ØvreForsland power station is located on the river bed in a clearing at the edge of a spruce forest. The main inspiration for the design was the verticality and the irregularity of the spruce trees.
PUNIBACH HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION
ØVREFORSLAND POWER STATION
In front of the building the visitor can experience the production of hydraulic electricity. From the bridge he can experience the water emerging from the station. nd through the large opening she can look into the heart of the building where all the interior technical parts are exposed. The light design of the interior is inspired by the mystery of the Northern Light, and the colored lighting dramatizes the story of the production.
In a nutshell, I think nature is a combination of design metaphor and set of physical factors for human being to emulate. Nature is a important source of inspiration for design in architecture. Therefore we should respect nature and at the same time make good use of it.
CONCLUSION