Gardens at Chateau de Versailles, France. This construction was actually considered by the designers of the Washington Mall as a precedent. You can see its similar design and seemingly endless expanse. The axis is defined through the green space and surrounding landscape.
Hierarchy- scale, material, or sequence
Baron Haussman's urban plan for Paris created the grand boulevards and allowed for the construction of some of the city's most infamous monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe, as depicted above. The city is planned around the monuments and no private building in the main portion of the city is allowed to exist at a height higher than the Eiffel Tower. This plan allows for hierarchy of monumental buildings, with private buildings having a less imposing height and presence.
Datum- highlights a difference between a series
Le Corbusieur's intended plan for the re-design of Paris. Despite the variation of building heights the city is united by an austere grid. Such order emphasizes the vast difference in building heights and functions.
Rhythm-Movement, pattern or repetition
Steven Holl's Simmons Hall dormitory at MIT provides an interesting use of exterior pattern. The extensive number of windows and openings lends an openness and lightness to the space.
Pavilion in Central Park, NYC
Transformation- Recontextualization, hybridity
Zaha Hadid's Chanel pavilion transported and traveled with the fashion house across the globe with each city providing its own dynamic backdrop.
Great photographs, and examples! I particularly liked your hierarchy example, not only does it relate to a specific object/building and the hierarchy of elements/design within it, but it also relates to hierarchy of a building in relation to it's surrounding environment. Your example of the Arc de Triomphe illustrates the values of the Parisians. Their decision to not allow private buildings to literally/figuratively overshadow existing monumental buildings reflects their value and respect for Paris's history. It really does contrast with the hierarchy of buildings in major US cities, and what our society values. Some of the most monumental buildings are backed by private institutions, like corporations; for example the AT&T Building in NYC by Philip Johnson and even the Church of Scientology building, The Church of Science in Boston.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Serkalem! I hadn't considered the buildings in Boston ... you make an interesting point.
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