The Theme of Narrative Architecture –Carlo
2907ENG | Shemaiah Ong
Scarpa
Scarpa’s Architectural Storytelling
Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978)
Shemaiah Ong - s5295166
How did Carlo Scarpa's use of natural materials and attention to detail contribute to the narrative qualities of his architectural designs, and what role did these elements play in creating a sense of continuity between the built environment and the natural world?
Carlo Scarpa was an Italian architect and designer who is known for his masterful use of materials and attention to detail. He often used narrative architecture in his designs, creating spaces that tell a story or evoke a particular mood and to create spaces that are rich in meaning and emotion.
Narrative architecture refers to the way that stories are designed and structured within physical spaces or built environments. It involves using the principles of storytelling to create an immersive, storytelling experience for the user, where the physical space itself becomes part of the story. In narrative architecture, the built environment is not just a backdrop, but an integral part of the story. This can be seen in the design of some of Scarpa’s works.
The layout, decor, and ambiance of these spaces from Scarpa can be designed to tell a story, evoke a mood, or create a particular atmosphere. By integrating the physical space with the narrative, designers can create a more engaging and memorable experience for the user.
One of Scarpa’s most famous works is the Brion Tomb, designed in the 1960s in San Vito d'Altivole, Italy. The tomb is a complex of buildings and outdoor spaces that are designed to honour the memory of the Brion family. Scarpa used a combination of natural materials including stone, water, and vegetation to create a space that is both serene and contemplative.
Throughout the design of the Brion Tomb, Scarpa used narrative architecture to create a sense of continuity and connection between the different spaces. For example, he used water as a symbol of continuity, creating a series of reflecting pools and fountains that connect the different buildings and spaces. He also incorporated a variety of natural materials and textures, including rough stone walls, polished marble floors, and carefully crafted details, to create a sense of depth and richness in the space.
Another example of Scarpa's use of narrative architecture can be seen in the Olivetti Showroom in Venice, designed in the 1950s. The showroom was designed to showcase the products of the Olivetti company Scarpa used a combination of materials and lighting to create a sense of drama and excitement in the space. He also used the design of the space to tell a story, with different areas of the showroom highlighting different products and their features.
However, Scarpa's use of narrative architecture was not limited to his larger projects. He used it in his designs for furniture, ceramics, and other objects such as his Venini vases, which he designed for the Venini glassworks in the 1930s, are characterized by their intricate
patterns and textures, which tell a story about the history and traditions of Venetian glassmaking. Overall, Scarpa's use of narrative architecture is characterized by his attention to detail, his use of natural materials to create a sense of continuity and by his ability to create spaces and objects that are rich in meaning and emotion. By using materials, lighting, and design elements to tell a story, he was able to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and that can resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
2907ENG - 2023
References
Anderson, Stanford. "Carlo Scarpa's Brion Cemetery: The Triumph of Detail." Architectural Record 173, no. 11 (November 1985): 122-29.
https://archive.org/details/architecturalrec173newy/page/122/mode/2up. Accessed May 7, 2023.
Archisoup. "Architecture Narratives: The Ultimate Guide." Accessed May 7, 2023. https://www.archisoup.com/studio-guide/architecture-narratives.
Bardi, P. "Venini." Domus, no. 162 (May 1941): 10-11. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27653325. Accessed May 7, 2023.
Fortini, Franco. "Carlo Scarpa." In Italian Architects and Builders: A History of Architecture in Italy, edited by Joseph Rykwert, 355-375. New York: Abbeville Press, 1991.
Ghirardo, Diane Y. "Carlo Scarpa and the Castelvecchio Museum: A Study in Ironic Contrasts." Art Journal 44, no. 1 (Spring 1984): 22-29. https://www.jstor.org/stable/776420. Accessed May 7, 2023.
Porphyrios, Demetri. "Carlo Scarpa's Olivetti Showroom." Architectural Review 188, no. 1124 (August 1990): 80-85. https://search.proquest.com/docview/2268995628. Accessed May 7, 2023.
Foreword
Carlo Scarpa was an Italian architect and designer who lived from 1906 to 1978. He is known for his unique approach to design, which incorporates a deep understanding of materials and a strong sense of narrative. Scarpa believed that architecture should tell a story, and his buildings are filled with richly textured surfaces, intricate details, and poetic allusions.
The concept of "narrative architecture" refers to the idea that a building should not simply be a functional structure, but rather should tell a story and convey meaning to users. Scarpa's approach to architecture was heavily influenced by his interest in art and craftsmanship, and he saw buildings as an opportunity to express ideas and emotions using materials and spatial relationships.
Scarpa's buildings are characterised by a sense of layered complexity, with multiple levels of meaning and interpretation. His designs often incorporate historical references and cultural allusions, and he was particularly interested in the relationship between the past and the present. Scarpa's work is also notable for its attention to detail and its use of natural materials, light, shadow, and reflection to create dynamic and ever-changing spaces.
Overall, Carlo Scarpa's approach to narrative architecture has had a significant impact on the field of architecture, inspiring many designers to think more deeply about the ways in which buildings can tell stories and create meaning through their form and materials.
Canova Museum (1955-57): In this piece, Scarpa used a variety of materials including travertine, bronze, and wood, to create a building that tells the story of Canova's life and work.
Olivetti Showroom (1957-58): The building's interior is characterized by intricate details and use of different materials such as glass, marble, and wood, telling a story of technological innovation and modernity.
Brion Tomb (1968-78): Scarpa used water, light, and geometry to create a space that tells the story of death and rebirth that invites visitors to contemplate the passage of time and the cycle of life.
Castelvecchio Museum (1957-64): This design includes a series of ramps and bridges that lead visitors through the museum's galleries, telling a story of art and history in a seamless and immersive way.
Fondazione Querini Stampalia (1961-63): Scarpa's design preserves the historic character of the building while introducing modern elements such as glass and water, telling a story of continuity and transformation.
Banca Popolare di Verona (1973-79): Scarpa designed this headquarters using materials such as marble, wood, and glass to create a space that tells a story of financial stability and trust.
The axonometric view of the Brion Tomb reveals the intricate geometry of the space as well as the way in which different parts of the tomb are interconnected through a composition of a series of interlocking planes and volumes. The tomb is made up of three main sections: the entrance pavilion, the covered courtyard, and the burial area. Each section is separated by walls and partitions, creating a sense of privacy and intimacy. The tomb is a testament to Scarpa's skill as an architect, and his ability to create spaces that tell stories and evoke emotions.
In the Olivetti Showroom, the axonometric view reveals the complex geometry of the space The showroom is made up of a series of rooms, each with its own unique character and purpose. The showroom's entrance is marked by a large glass facade, which opens onto a spacious, light-filled room. The floor of this room is paved with small, irregularly shaped stones, giving it a sense of texture and depth. A shallow pool runs along the length of the main room, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. The pool is bordered by a series of wooden beams, which are arranged in a grid pattern, creating a sense of rhythm and order.
This collage is based on the theme of narrative architecture and is inspired by Carlo Scarpa's Brion Tomb. It showcases Scarpa's unique style and material choices, which were use of materials such as concrete, and water. It also captures the beauty and harmony of the natural setting of the tomb, with the images of water, nature, and stone. The symbolic references of the tomb, such as the water, the sun, and the stone, are highlighted, along with the intricate design details that were incorporated into the overall design of the tomb.
This collage is based on the Olivetti Showroom, an iconic architectural work by Carlo Scarpa. The collage depicts Scarpa's unique style and design principles, including his use of natural materials, such as stone, and his attention to detail in the tiles. The showroom was designed to showcase the products of Olivetti, a leading Italian manufacturer of office equipment, and the collage features images of the showroom's interior details, mainly focussing on the staircase. The design of the showroom was meant to evoke a sense of order and harmony, with Scarpa using light and shadow to create a dynamic interplay of space and form.
