The format of this text was different and I found the change engaging and the interview style easy for me to read and follow. Students asked questing which were directed at Peter Smithson, a later British architect who had a strong association with ‘New Brutalism’.
The interview informs us about how the architect developed his work, history and movements that his was interested in
The question is asked on the importance of history within architecture. My views correspond with the response given, without knowing about our historical context how can we develop our current understanding, we need to learn and draw on inspiration from the past in order to develop for the future.
Smithson compared himself to architects in the period of the Gothic Revival, showing the complete engagement into architecture, and how architects throughout time are constantly inspired by one another. He was well travelled and described the places he had been. I feel that this is one of the ways that architects and movements progress, from the influences of other architects and other cultures architecture can evolve, develop and improve.
Peter believed that it was Cubism that started the shift from nineteenth century revivalism to the modern movement. After World War II the need for redevelopment and housing was critical and the simplistic form was essential for progress.
Having an insight into the thoughts and opinions of two of the leading Brutalist architects was thought provoking and has allowed me to gain a greater understanding into what the architects thought. Other articles can be from the viewpoint of a critic for example so the change is refreshing and can give us a new perceptive. Although Peter Smithson has passed away, his opinions are still important to other architects and I agree with many of the topics brought up in this interview. I am going to research further as I feel that my own work could benefit from reflecting on such an influential architect.
Smithson, Peter. Peter Smithson: Conversations with Students. Princeton Architectural Press. (2005) [electronic resource] Conversation 1 and 3 (pp. 9-32; 72-89).
The interview informs us about how the architect developed his work, history and movements that his was interested in
The question is asked on the importance of history within architecture. My views correspond with the response given, without knowing about our historical context how can we develop our current understanding, we need to learn and draw on inspiration from the past in order to develop for the future.
Smithson compared himself to architects in the period of the Gothic Revival, showing the complete engagement into architecture, and how architects throughout time are constantly inspired by one another. He was well travelled and described the places he had been. I feel that this is one of the ways that architects and movements progress, from the influences of other architects and other cultures architecture can evolve, develop and improve.
Peter believed that it was Cubism that started the shift from nineteenth century revivalism to the modern movement. After World War II the need for redevelopment and housing was critical and the simplistic form was essential for progress.
Having an insight into the thoughts and opinions of two of the leading Brutalist architects was thought provoking and has allowed me to gain a greater understanding into what the architects thought. Other articles can be from the viewpoint of a critic for example so the change is refreshing and can give us a new perceptive. Although Peter Smithson has passed away, his opinions are still important to other architects and I agree with many of the topics brought up in this interview. I am going to research further as I feel that my own work could benefit from reflecting on such an influential architect.
Smithson, Peter. Peter Smithson: Conversations with Students. Princeton Architectural Press. (2005) [electronic resource] Conversation 1 and 3 (pp. 9-32; 72-89).