In our last topic we had to turn a little back in time because we discussed about the process of building from the past to the present. Our discussion was based on the Pierre Luiggi Nervi’s book and he made some researches to conclude that two important part of architecture are: physical structure (has to obey some objective requirements) and aesthetic aspects(produces an emotion of a subjective nature, depending on the designer).
Then, there were listed the conditions to define building technology, which respectively were:
▪ make use of solid materials,
▪ define spaces suited to particular functions, and
▪ protect the structure (must be stable, lasting, satisfy the needs for which it was build and must have a maximum result with minimum means) from external elements
He summed up in the phrase “building correctly” these four conditions:
1. Stability: stable resistance to loads and external forces can be achieved by means of structure easily perceived or by means of technical artifices and unseen structures. Stability of Construction can be employed to contribute to a desired architectural and aesthetic expression.
2. Durability: the proper choice and use of materials constitute the first condition for achieving durability. Seeing the materials correctly used, influences the general impression produced by a work of architecture
3. Function and
4. Maximum results with minimum means: they are the results of proper proportioning of sizes and spaces, relationship of spaces, richness of ornament and preciousness of materials with respect to the purpose the building will be used.
As we continue with the turning back in time we can mention some facts with the way that buildings were crated before relating it with the art of building correctly. Greeks and Egyptians were limited by marble and stone materials and by elementary static scheme which their technician could understand. Thrusting roofs plus the introduction of powerful horizontal forces made possible internal shapes and spaces in roman architecture which were impossible in Greek and Egyptian architecture.
Furthermore, during the book it is explained that in the Gothic Cathedrals is best seen the tie between the Aesthetics and Technology and also the greatest invention of this period, the Gothic period, was he Flying Buttress (the clear visualization of principal lines along he diagonals of the groined vaults and the extension of the lines down to the foundation.
Continuing with some examples of building correctly from the past:
▪ Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral à The projecting ribs clearly shows the intersection of the vaults which form the cross vaulting. These ribs are not statically essential but the do follow the lines of maximum concentration of the internal stresses.
▪ Eiffel Tower à the only concession made by the designer to the ruling formalism of the time was the addition of circular arch under the first level
▪ Bridge of Truyere à Two hinged arch of the bridge gives visual emphasis to the thinning of the arch toward the supports and obtains an expressive sense of lightness.
▪ Fifth of Forth Bridge à It is technically and constructionallycorrect. The choice of the structural system was probably influenced by the construction possibility offered: that is to erect the bridge starting from the low piers without the necessity for temporary network for the large clear span.
In the end, I would like to conclude with the saying: “Forerunners of the great architecture of tomorrow, the relationship between the technology and aesthetics that we found in the great buildings of the past has remained intact” .
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