Drawing and Experiencing Architecture: The Evolving Significance of City's Inhabitants in the 20th Century

The concepts of the observer and user in architecture and urban planning have evolved through the 20th and 21st centuries, with Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Team Ten, Constantinos Doxiadis, Adriano Olivetti, Giancarlo De Carlo, Aldo Rossi, Denise Scott Brown, and Bernard Tschumi all playing significant roles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2022
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the concepts of the observer and user in architecture and urban planning have undergone significant transformations. This transformation is closely linked to the evolving significance of city inhabitants. In her exploration, Marianna Charitonidou delves into the intricate relationship between the mutations of the means of representation in architecture and urban planning and the importance of the city's inhabitants.

Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, two influential figures in the field, were particularly captivated by perspective. Le Corbusier's belief in the power of perspective to create a sense of order and harmony in architectural designs, while Mies van der Rohe's emphasis on the clean lines and minimalism of modernist architecture further shaped the observer's perception of the urban landscape.

Team Ten, a group of architects and urban planners, sought to humanize architecture and urbanism by incorporating human factors and social considerations into their designs. They believed that buildings should not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing and accessible to all members of society. This approach marked a significant shift in the way architects and planners approached their work, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that were not only functional but also meaningful and relevant to the lives of the people who would use them.

Constantinos Doxiadis and Adriano Olivetti played pivotal roles in reshaping the relationship between politics and urban planning during the postwar years. Doxiadis, a Greek architect, advocated for a more democratic and inclusive approach to urban planning, emphasizing the importance of community participation and social justice. Olivetti, a Italian architect, on the other hand, focused on the technological aspects of urban planning, advocating for the use of modern design and architecture to create efficient and sustainable cities.

Giancarlo De Carlo, a renowned architect, is known for his architecture of participation, which aimed to involve the community in the design and construction of buildings. De Carlo's projects often included public spaces and facilities that were accessible to all members of society, promoting a sense of community and social cohesion.

Aldo Rossi, another influential architect, is renowned for his design methods, which emphasize the integration of architecture with the natural environment. Rossi's designs often featured organic shapes and materials, creating a sense of harmony between the built and natural environments.

Denise Scott Brown, a prominent architect and urban planner, is known for her active socioplactics, which focused on creating spaces that were not only functional but also responsive to the needs and desires of the people who would use them. Scott Brown's designs often included public spaces that were designed to encourage social interaction and community building.

Bernard Tschumi, a Swiss architect, is known for his conception praxis, which emphasizes the integration of architecture, urban planning, and design. Tschumi's designs often featured complex and abstract forms, creating a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty in the urban landscape.

In conclusion, the concepts of the observer and user in architecture and urban planning have undergone significant transformations throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. These transformations are closely linked to the evolving significance of city inhabitants and the desire to create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and relevant to the lives of the people who will use them. The work of influential figures such as Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Team Ten, Constantinos Doxiadis, Adriano Olivetti, Giancarlo De Carlo, Aldo Rossi, Denise Scott Brown, and Bernard Tschumi has played a crucial role in shaping the direction

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 227 x 151 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837664881