Position Papers

1 Scott Abernethy 8/30/12 ARCH 821 Dr. Dina Battisto

Architectural Manifesto

Image: Steven Holl Architects

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The task of architecture is to provide a framework of existential space in support of the understanding of human identity.

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In order to understand architecture, we must first have a basic understanding of human identity. The understanding of identity, the prerequisite of creative work, is fundamentally existential: structured through conscious and unconscious interpretations of human memory and experience. Therefore, architecture must also be fundamentally existential; it gives structure to human memory and experience. Architecture is not about buildings as physical objects, it is about constructing a framework for human values and meaning. While the Vitruvian mantra prescribes architecture to firmitas, utilitas, and venustas, the essence of architecture is essentially beyond architecture, and the task of architecture is to support the understanding of human identity.

Contemporary architecture detaches us from the existential realm of human identity. Architecture rejects human memory and experience and has accelerated toward pure aestheticization. Focused on visual imagery, contemporary architecture becomes detached from its underlying social imperative. In the contemporary city, architecture’s false imperative marginalizes and alienates humans. Contemporary trends in the commoditization of buildings, the obsession for ‘newness,’ and the prioritization of a marketable image have further accelerated the rift between architecture and human identity. Furthermore, the significance of a building is judged as a conceptual or philosophical idea rather than a sensory or emotional experience. Above all, contemporary architecture conquers the foreground rather than occupies the background; contemporary architecture is about buildings, not about life.

In order to reaffirm its transcendent role in human existentialism, architecture must shift its focus from the appearance of things to the essence of things. Multisensory, existential, and experiential goals must succeed contemporary visual and formal foci. Architecture must connect the individual to his/her community, cultural structures, and the environment. The task of architecture is to provide a framework of existential space in support of the understanding of human identity.

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2 Scott Abernethy 9/06/12 ARCH 821 Dr. Dina Battisto

Problem Statement

Image: VVERH

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We make our buildings and afterwards they make us.

They regulate the course of our lives.

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– Winston Churchill

“There is no doubt about the influence of architecture and structure upon human character and action. We make our buildings and afterwards they make us. They regulate the course of our lives.” – Winston Churchill The most comprehensive, and possibly most important, architectural experience is the sense of being in a unique place. The purpose of architecture is to clarify the mutual relations of individuals and their relationship with the community, cultural structures, and the physical environment. The psychological task of architecture is to create a sense of cultural continuity in space and in time, which will allow us to formulate an existential understanding of human identity.

However, contemporary trends in architecture have expanded our existence solely in place, instead of time, by seeking a universal culture.

Trends in rationalized building have weakened the sense of place in human existential space. Over-scaled buildings, excessive repetition, standardized construction techniques, emphasis on flexibility and functional and economic restrictions equate a monotonous physical environment and a complete loss of sense of place. Furthermore, contemporary trends in the commoditization of buildings, the obsession for ‘newness,’ and the prioritization of a marketable image have further accelerated the rift between architecture and human identity.

In a society of increasing technology and control, architecture grows shapeless and inaccessible to the senses. ‘Genius loci’ seems possible today only on the fringes of culture that have not yet been dominated by consumerism. We have become homeless in our culture of uniformity.

In a destitute society of universality, the most comprehensive architectural experience is the sense of being in a unique place.

How can we use architecture to reestablish the sense of specific localities in the United States among rapid globalization?

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3 Scott Abernethy 9/13/12 ARCH 821 Dr. Dina Battisto

Position Statement

Image: IPOSTUDIO

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Sustainable architecture is inherently therapeutic and is most important to the healthcare environment because of its enormous potential in improving the lives of humans based on evidence-based design.

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Sustainable architecture is inherently therapeutic and is most important to the healthcare environment because of its enormous potential in improving the lives of humans based on evidence-based design.

This claim is in response to mounting evidence that buildings through their life cycle are significant causes of human illness and environmental degradation. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public heath. On average people spend 90 percent of their time indoors.1 The shift in practice towards sustainable architecture is fundamentally consistent with the motives of health care professionals. First and foremost, healthcare practitioners must first do no harm. Healthcare architects must focus on public health oriented positions and ensure that their buildings do not harm the health of individuals or to society at large. They must be influenced by the idea that, in order to be successful, they must incorporate sustainability as part of their mission.

As enormous consumers of energy and resources, healthcare institutions should be the lead proponent in sustainable architecture. According to Sustainable Healthcare Architecture, “Healthcare construction is a $41 billion industry and is expected to grow 11 percent this year (2011).2” Establishing life cycle health and environmental considerations as evaluative criteria for design decisions and material and product specifications yield measurable benefits in enhanced patient outcomes, improved worker productivity, and reduced operations and maintenance costs.3 Ultimately, facility design quality can significantly impact staff and patients’ health and well-being.

Studies have shown that design attributes such as the ambient environment (e.g. sound, light and art) and physical features (e.g. windows, spatial layout, interior design corridors and circulation) can all influence patient recovery and staff performance.4 As an empirical tool, evidence-based design will eventually establish healthcare architecture as the purveyor of sustainability.

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1/3. Vittori, Gail. (2002). “Green and Healthy Buildings for the Healthcare Industry.” Austin, TX. 2. Guenther and Vittori. (2008). Sustainable Healthcare Architecture. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

4. HaCIRIC. (2011). Design and Decision Making to Improve Healthcare Infrastructure. Loughborough: Loughborough University.