The Materiality of Architecture

Viac o knihe

Digital tools have propelled architecture into a transformative era, blending traditional materials like wood, stone, and metal with pixels and code. An eminent thinker examines the significance of architectural materials over the centuries and the impact of technology on our perceptions of them. Antoine Picon argues that materiality transcends mere matter; the silence and inscrutability of raw materials often clash with humanity's quest for meaning. He explores how individuals shape their identities through their physical interactions with architectural materials and spaces. Picon posits that the essence of architecture lies in its ability to make matter expressive to humans. By reviewing key moments in Western European architecture, he provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of materiality and how experiences of the physical world have shifted alongside human subjectivity. Ultimately, Picon asserts that computer-based design methods are not a radical break from architectural traditions but rather a new means for architects to harness material resources. This evolution enhances the inherently humanistic nature of architecture, offering greater design freedom and liberation from material constraints in the digital age.