Whispered Elegance: Exploring Carlo Scarpa's Masterful Walls

Whispered Elegance: Exploring Carlo Scarpa’s Masterful Walls

curated by Mason Cree for Operative Architectural History (2907ENG)

Figure 1 photo of Carlo Scarpa. Photo by Mario De Biasi. Reproduced by Archdaily, https://www.archdaily.com/638534/spotlight-carlo-scarpa

Foreword

Venice-born architect Carlo Scarpa is undoubtedly one of the most influential modern architects and is known for his immaculate attention to detail and appreciation of artesian craftsmanship with respect to his architectural legacy¹. His instinctive understanding of materiality is something he is most recognised for: however, this exhibition will explore how Carlo Scarpa’s approach to designing typical architectural elements particularly walls can be more than just a simple part of a building. Many of his architectural elements transcend the boundaries of the physical realm and beco`me an extension of a buildings character which hold micronarratives within them that truly transforms a space into something far more enriching.

This exhibition will explore through various models and designs how the fundamental element of a structures form the humble wall can be rebirthed into something far more contextual. Scarpa’s narrative driven architectural designs in respect to walls leave the observer with delibee emotional responses that promote deeper understandings of the reality of what a building can be. The ‘stagnation’ of architectural elements as Rem Koolhaas Implies is evocative of the reality of modern architecture and how it can be perceived as no longer innovative². This exhibition will demonstrate how through Scarpa’s principles walls can be more than just a vertical surface.

1. Rory, Stott, “Spotlight: Carlo Scarpa,” ArchDaily, accessed May 6 2023, https://www. archdaily.com/638534/spotlight-carlo-scarpa

2. “Rem Koolhaas’ ‘Elements’: Uncovering Architecture’s Origins, Assuring Its Future,” ArchDaily, 2014, accessed May 6 2023, https://www.archdaily.com/527803/rem-koolhaaselements-uncovering-architecture-s-origins-assuring-its-future

Whispered Elegance: Exploring Carlo Scarpa’s Masterful Walls

What is a wall? At its most basic interpretation a wall is an element of architecture which serves two primary functions; to provide structural support and to divide space within a building however it can become much more than just a functional element. A wall can take on a more symbolic purpose and become a canvas in which creative expression can be constructed or it may be a storytelling device providing historical and societal insight³.

The walls we most commonly encounter in everyday life whether it be the plasterboard walls of our houses or the sterile blank walls of the institutions we inhabit are seemingly devoid of a more spatially engaging purpose. This is not a surprising revelation with modern society demanding mass-produced, economical and adaptable construction practices, however it does result in a lack of character and narrative. For most the sterility and hollowness is an afterthought as long it is serving the main purpose of arranging spaces. But what if there is more to this architectural element? Perhaps we must look to the past into the works of Carlo Scarpa whose impeccable attention to wall detailing can show us how it can function in a more meaningful way 4 .

Italian architect Carlo Scarpa was one of the most influential design practitioners during the mid-twentieth century whose work has inspired many and left an unforgettable mark in the world of modern architecture. Scarpa’s transformative and narrative-driven architectural elements defined his legacy with the walls of his structures playing an imperative role in the deeply enriching sensory narratives apparent in his works . Scarpa considered not only the literal functions a wall can serve but the metaphorical. His instinctive approach to materiality, layering and the interconnectedness to light create dynamic spaces that provide users with a more enriching experience.

Scarpa’s Brion Cemetery & Sanctuary displays the poetic and narrative-driven detailing of his walls in full effect. The Labyrinth-like walls are made of intricately ziggurat-detailed stone and layered with detail which evoke a sense of meaning and permanence . Similarly, Scarpa’s Castelvecchio Museum walls are detailed with precision to evoke a sense of heightened drama while revealing the underlying original structure. This transformation of a wall into a story telling device elevates the wall into something greater than just a structural element .

This exhibition will be an analysis which explores through various 3-dimensional models how Scarpa’s approach to walls and other architectural elements evoke emotional and transcendent spatial experiences. Walls may be interpreted in various ways other than just a mere divider but a device for storytelling and purpose. This exhibition aims to inspire contemporary architects and highlight the principles of Scarpa to create more enriching spaces.

Whispered Elegance: Exploring Carlo Scarpa’s Masterful Walls curated by Mason Cree

1. Rem Koolhaas, Elements of Architecture: Wall (Venice: Marsilio, 2014), 3

2. Jason Goh, ELEMENTS of CARLO SCARPA (NSW: BHTS, 2014), 14-16, https://www.architects.nsw. gov.au/download/BHTS/Goh,%20Jason_BHTS_Elements%20of%20Carlo%20Scarpa.pdf

3. Robert McCarter, “Architecture determined not by the whole but by the part”, in Scarpa, Phaidon (London: Phaidon, 2021), 76-77, ISBN: 9781838662929 https://www.phaidon.com/ store/architecture/carlo-scarpa-9781838662929/

4. “Brion Cemetery & Sanctuary / Carlo Scarpa,” Archeyes, 2021, accessed May 6 2023, https://archeyes.com/brion-cemetery-sanctuary-carlo-scarpa/

5. Nandita Baabu, “Architect Carlo Scarpa- 15 Iconic Projects,” Rethinking The Future, accessed May 6 2023, https://staging.re-thinkingthefuture.com/know-your-architects/a1705architect-carlo-scarpa-15-iconic-projects/

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Research Process and Context:

Carlo Scarpa’s appreciation for craftsmanship and the intricate detailing of artisans is what ultimately inspired the direction of this exhibition. Scarpa’s birthplace of Venice, Italy undoubtedly inspired his philosophy and appreciation for the arts which in turn influenced the way in which he developed his architectural designs. The curations of this exhibition are intended to reflect Scarpa’s philosophy and appreciation for craftsmanship by showcasing pieces that respect the handson approach and sculpturing process that Scarpa so appreciated. Through this, a deeper connectedness to Scarpa’s design principles may be explored in relation to his detailing of walls which transcend the basic functionality of a wall into something more enriching.

Models were chosen as the main curatorial devices for displaying the Carlo Scarpa’s principles of wall detailing and their significance in transcending their function because the 3-dimensioanl nature of models allows light and texture to be viewed clearer and with greater understanding. This also allows for light to play with the models in real time to reveal details that may be more difficult to communicate compared to 2-dimensional media.

Ziggurat Wall:

‘Ziggurat wall’ blurs the line between architectural elements such as walls and stairs. The ascending stairs following the ziggurat design language of Scarpa’s Brion Cemetery demonstrates how the wall itself can protrude into a completely different function. The stairway emerges between two walls while appearing to float over the floor and continues vertically over the doorway and back down the base again replicating a sense of infinity. The wall is guiding you to ascend while simultaneously facilitating this movement.

Emergance:

‘Emergence’ explores the potential of the wall element to interact with the doorway in a manner which goes above just facilitating a void to pass through. The walls retreat down the corridor into the doorway and act as curiosity device priming the viewer into a sense of anticipation as to what lies beyond the space. This simple wall intervention demonstrates the ability of the wall to evoke a sensory spatial experience and narrative driving force.

Storyteller:

‘Storyteller’ examines how the wall itself is a storytelling device with intentional voids in the façade revealing the structural elements of the wall beneath. This intentional exposition of the raw structural elements of the wall beneath highlights the story of an old repurposed structure that has evolved with time to serve a more contemporary nature. The slits in the façade also serve as a sense of direction by trailing around the surface of the wall leading to the doorway.

Permeability:

‘Permeability’ showcases two solid overlapping walls that separate two spaces. While the wall does act as a divider of the two spaces, the void and offset of the two walls in the middle evokes a sense of openness but also privacy between the two spaces by allowing the wind and sound to pass through creating a unique spatial moment. This arrangement and displacement of the walls creates a unique link between the two spaces that a plain solid window may not facilitate.

Infinite Corridor:

‘Infinite Corridor’ is an interactive display which conveys the dynamic relationship between the wall and light. Natural light is a crucial element in regards to how architecture is perceived, it defines the atmosphere of a space and this in turn invokes an emotional response. With the small extrusions along the walls surface it allows light to penetrate through the structure and illuminates the ground and opposite wall in various ways leading the attention of the viewer down the corridor.