Reading Comprehension 6 for IAR222

[1] A common theme of the early twentieth century found in Roth, Harwood, and Massey set the tone for
an understanding of styles in architecture and design influenced by fine art. Selecting either Arts +
Crafts or Art Nouveau, TRACE the influences of the selected style in more than two nations. In your
answer, you should include evidence from the readings and at least two annotated images as support
for your analysis of influences.

Paris Opera:Paris

Atelier Elvira: Munich,Germany

Art Nouveau was about creating something with an exotic feel. It was considered “art for art’s sake”.  The influences, while they may seem like completely different buildings shown above are the same for each.  In these images lies the influences of Ancient architecture, such as Greek and Egyptian, as well as Gothic influences. In the image of the Paris Opera house, you can see the formality of these eras. The Ionic colonnades, the use of stone-like materials, and the repeated ornamentation circling the room are all influences from Greek and Egyptian architecture. The statues around the room are very similar to the ones inside of the Pantheon and in the Temple of Athena. Also, note the Gothic influences with the embedded columns around the inner walls. In addition to the columns, are narrow archways that provide a greater illusion of height just as the Gothic cathedrals do.
In the picture of Atelier Elvira, a more casual influence is apparent. It is clear of the natural influence with the root-like ceiling which is used much like the ornamentation of the Papyrus columns at the Hypostyle Hall. This interior is more organic. The thick sweeping curves may come as a result of the lavish Baroque style period. Gothic however isn’t forgotten, the pointedness of the roots reflects the spiked ornamentation of it’s architecture.

Anne Massey describes Art Nouveau designers as ones who concerned themselves with all the elements of a building, from the architectural shell down to the door handles. ( Massey, p.32)


[2] Originating at the Bauhaus and in the work of LeCorbusier, the so-called Modern movement deeply
influenced design and architecture of the twentieth century. The great debate raised by this new
approach to design involved the presence of the machine in the design process and final products.
SPECULATE about the implications of “machines for living” and the famous dictum “less is more” on
design today. Use at least one ARTIFACT, SPACE, or BUILDING in your answer, providing a salient
image (cited) and annotation to help bolster your argument.

http://www.radio.cz/en/section/panorama/daniela-hammer-tugendhat-our-villa-was-stolen-and-now-has-to-be-returned

Machines changed the architectural world. They made Modern architecture affordable for almost everyone, or at least more than the previous eras of Arts and Crafts had. Mass production came about which allowed many items to be constructed in bulk. It also made building faster. Going deeper on that note, when bringing the statement “machines for living” inside, a new meaning arises. In the image above of the Tugendhat House, I think machine refers to the partitioning wall. The ability to constantly manipulate a space was a revolution in architecture. One could also say that the statement is talking about the need of machines to cut the materials used in interiors, such as iron, glass. and marble seen in the image. However, this brings up the dictum “less is more”. While these materials may look simple, with low ornamentation they are rich in themselves. The crisp and light color palette of these materials creates a beautiful interior with the help of the flood of natural light coming from the large glass-ribbon windows.
“Inspired by a new movement aesthetic, the Modern Movement stripped away unnecessary ornament from the interior.”(Massey, p. 63)
On the contrary, less is more. These materials are not cheap. It does cost more to cut things such as marble. Modernism isn’t just about the use of the machine. It is about perfection. For example the Barcelona chair in the image, isn’t machine made. It is hand crafted. One would never know that unless research was done, because of its great craftsmanship and great attention to perfection in it’s detail. Many designers such as Werkbund, challenged the industry to raise its standards while still acknowledging mass production.


[3] From the assigned pages in Roth, Harwood, and Massey, SELECT an image that you believe
explodes the notion that Modern interiors and objects were black and white. Fully RENDER your own
design exploration of that image through color, material, and light and appropriately annotate and cite
the image to prove this point.

In the image below, I chose to render it in the way Charles and Ray Eames did their home. they used bold reds, blues, and yellows. They also used iron as an agent in their design. The floor is a marbled-like cement which celebrates the modern use of materials. The club hub chairs are also a nice modern touch to this interior. 

Massey p. 114