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Research To what extent has Frank Gehry achieved aesthetic–functional balance within the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain? The research for this project was
Louis Bartlett (2017)
M
My research began with
undertaken through two different
laying the foundations of the
methods: a comprehensive
theory surrounding aesthetic–
literature review and an email
functional balance, starting with
questionnaire. The literature review
aesthetic–functionalism. I found
formed the foundation of the
that the aesthetic value of a
research, investigating the theory
building is neither reducible to
surrounding aesthetic–functional
practical function nor completely
balance and how it can be achieved
independent of it. One has
through architectural means. The
to reach a standpoint which
focus of the questionnaire was
combines theories of Reduction
EPQ was sparked by my
to gain honest responses from
(function leads to aesthetics)
interest in postmodern
architects and experts within the
and Independence (function
y choice of topic for the
architecture, in particular the
field of study and was designed to
is completely independent of
movement of Deconstructivism.
be sufficiently broad to allow the
aesthetics): the thesis of Aesthetic
Frank Gehry’s work, characterised
recipient to expand on his or her
Duality. Aesthetic Duality states
by his distinct and expressive style,
views on the subject matter. One
that objects can be appraised
led me to question his design
of the key research components of
both under descriptions that
process and to consider how
this project was an appreciation of
refer to practical functions
an architect, whose work could
the subjective nature of the topic.
and under descriptions that
be described as more artistic
The questions emphasised issues
only apply to aesthetics. The
than practical, is able to design
surrounding the Guggenheim’s
addition of a contributory thesis
a building that balances both
interior and exterior components,
determines that the satisfaction
aesthetics and function. I decided
theory relating to aesthetic–
of functional requirements in
to look at the Guggenheim due to
functional balance as well as the
most cases contributes positively
its controversial history in terms
relationship between form and
to aesthetic value. This theory
of construction as well as its role
function. A variety of experts were
developed further into the theory
as a home for one of the world’s
contacted at different universities
of Econo-functional Aesthetic
most formidable art institutions. In
including UCL, Bath, Harvard, and
Balance, which resolves issues
order to tackle my overall research
the Delft School of Technology.
pertaining to economic, aesthetic,
question, I broke the project down into three smaller questions. How is it possible to achieve aesthetic– functional balance? How does Frank Gehry’s design process relate to the determination of aesthetics and function within his own architecture? How does the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao exhibit the qualities of a building that has achieved aesthetic–
Frank Gehry’s work, characterised by his distinct and expressive style, led me to question his design process and to consider how an architect, whose work could be described as more artistic than practical, is able to design a building that balances both aesthetics and function.
functional balance? 17
