Simplifying for Common Ground

Caroline Smith

Over the past few weeks I have shown an interest in simplifying architecture, inspired by many great minds like Eisenman, Le Corbusier, and Scarpa. Peter Eisenman’s process of Deconstructivism has fueled my exploration of simple architecture that is enriched by its surroundings, or that acts as an aide to something else. At the Architecture Bienale in Venice, I was interested in more ways that architecture could be simplified in order to evoke an emotion. I concluded that architecture can create illusions of a space within another, without always using walls or distinct edges.

            Valerio Olgiati wanted to display works from the most unique contemporary architects, in his opinion. The space that he created for the display takes the shape of a small room within a larger one. No walls are used for the boundaries of this room, but are instead implied by columns and a change in height. The ceiling of the smaller area is much lower than that of the main room. It seems to be a small space, because of the enormousness of the surrounding one, but is still rather large when standing inside. The works are arranged on a large white table that mimics the lower ceiling, creating a visual third space. The technique is so simple, but it draws you in to look at what is displayed. Furthermore the display carries out the idea of the Biennale’s theme “Common Ground.” Each architect’s style displayed is very different but is united on this common ground, which architecturally exhists as a simple space within a space.

            Robbrecht  en Daem Architecten represented Places, Heights and Depths using cinematography and photography. Similar to Olgiati’s his work was displayed as a space within a space. Again, a lower ceiling created the implied boundaries of the exhibit but these pieces were suspended in the air. Lights contributed to this illusion by shining through the hanging pieces and adding a floor element resembling change in material. Now a boundary exhists between the new ceiling and the new floor. Architecture does not have not be made of clear walls and roofs, but may be composed of other elements that may appeal to more of the 5 senses. Again, this method is simple, but appealing, drawing a person into the space.

            Another exhibit appealing to the senses is Poland’s Giardidi exhibit- A “sound sculpture” by Katarzyna Krakowaik. The sound has been described as “making the walls quake as if they are dialating with the secret knowledge of great powers.” The exhibit is a bare, slightly uneven concrete room. There is not much to look at, but the beauty exists in the sound of the architecture and the emotions provoked by the noise. An uncomfortable fear came to me at first, but as I explored the room I became curious about the sound, causing me to linger in the space. Although the architecture appears to be in its most basic form, the sound works with the space, creating a depth and a reason to stay.

           Finding common ground among every country can be a difficult task, but as I saw in the Biennale, architecture can be related to any country when simplified. Architecture in its most basic form can always pair with something else, whether artwork, light or sound; movement or views; or a cause to improve something insignificant, as we have seen in the past few weeks.