LECTURE 04

ARTICLE READING

What is the role of honesty and deception in architecture today? Is honesty and deception predominantly about the expression of structure, the relationship between interior and exterior, the expression of goals and challenges of the architect; some combination of these; or something else? in other words, if a fourth text were added to this chapter what would the argument be about today's architecture in relation to honesty & deception?

In modern architecture perspective, honesty architecture means less glitz and shine in interior design, and instead focusing on natural materials and clean, simple lines. Architects are also simplifying the exteriors, rediscovering beauty in boxier designs, which are easier to build and maintain. From what I understand, honesty in architecture is building doesn't hide or cover up it's flaws under decorative notions and pretend to be something other than itself, like what John Ruskin wrote in his article, Wood doesn't pretend to be stone, and windows are windows. Nothing more

In 21st century, economics changing attitudes and generational differences are in play. A lot of it has to do with simplifying lives, downsizing and focusing on what’s important (honesty), rather than what’s impressive (deception). Some building are trending smaller and more efficient, too. This is obviously encouraged by the tight economy. For example, row house designed by Tadao Ando. You can barely see any decorative elements from the exterior of this building. There is also no additional wall finishes, not even painting. Exposed structure, walls and raw concrete façade reveal the basic nature of the

Deception in architecture means the true structure or material of building are mostly covered or decorated and do not reflect it functionallity. For example, Jørn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House. The building is well renowned to the world for its signature “shells”, which happen to be non-structural at all. Aesthetically it is pleasant to view; they add pattern and vibration to the massive structure; the material contributes to the overallness.

Zaha Hadid also one the famous architect who practicing deception in her design. For example, Heydar Aliyev Center, the exterior are covered by curvy-shaped façade, which only for decoration purposes.

The latest trend in architecture is iconic, to achieve that the concept of deception were tend to be used. It is not hard to discover that there are a lot of buildings with the combination of honesty and deception surrounding

Somehow, we need deception for certain expression in architecture for aesthetic purpose or functionality, too. Deception, too, help in descend the rate of any non- renewable or renewable resources. For example we have platic fibric which have stronger durability than steel which could replace steel, and artificial fiber which help in reducing deforestation

If there were the fourth articles, I will write it as “Honesty in Deception”. Ruskin once said “truth in medium” which I think should be widely use and adapt to modern architecture and I think it's an interesting title to discuss about. In another way, we should also accept modern materials and apply on our design but not the structural elements. As we all were walking to a technological and modern era, new materials should be considered but in the same way traditional methods and raw materials should not be neglected as well.