Kent Bloomer: Nature as Ornament

Kent Bloomers work as a sculptor and educator is celebrated in a volume that examines the role of ornament in contemporary architecture and society. The book explores his contributions to the history of ornament as both a social and artistic phenomenon and reorients the discourse of ornament from a contentious vestige of modernity toward its active relationship to architecture, landscape, urbanism, and a sense of place.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2020
Publisher: Yale University Press

Renowned sculptor and educator Kent Bloomer's work is celebrated in this comprehensive examination of the role of ornament in contemporary architecture and society. Best known for his iconic Central Park luminaires (1982), his ornamentation at Rice University's Baker Hall in Houston (1997), and his transformative work on Yale University's Bass Library entrance pavilion and Sterling Memorial Library stairwell entrance (2007), Bloomer has not only shaped the discourse around ornament in contemporary architectural practice but has also inspired advancements across a diverse range of disciplines, including history, music, art, philosophy, and biology.

To explore Bloomer's profound contributions to the history of ornament as both a social and artistic phenomenon, scholars from various fields come together in this volume. With a retrospective look at Bloomer's groundbreaking oeuvre as a point of departure, they delve into his profound influence on the evolution of ornamentation throughout different periods and cultures. Through the lens of Bloomer's extraordinary body of work, this volume reorients the discourse of ornament from a contentious vestige of modernity to its active relationship with architecture, landscape, urbanism, and a sense of place.

The first chapter, titled "Ornament as Social Signifier," explores how ornament has been used throughout history to convey social status, religious beliefs, and cultural identity. Scholars examine the decorative elements in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as in medieval and Renaissance periods, and how they were used to create a sense of grandeur and opulence. They also explore how ornamentation evolved in response to changing social and political contexts, such as the Baroque and Rococo periods, and how it was used to express political ideologies and social movements.

The second chapter, titled "Ornament as Artistic Expression," delves into how ornament has been used as a means of artistic expression throughout history. Scholars examine the decorative elements in art, architecture, and design, and how they have been used to create a sense of beauty, harmony, and balance. They explore the different styles of ornamentation, such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Neoclassicism, and how they have influenced the development of modern art and design.

The third chapter, titled "Ornament and Modernity," examines the contentious relationship between ornament and modernity. Scholars explore how ornamentation has been perceived as a symbol of tradition and nostalgia in the face of rapid social and technological change. They examine how ornamentation has been used to challenge modernist ideals and to create a sense of authenticity and cultural identity in contemporary architecture and design.

The fourth chapter, titled "Ornament and Identity," explores how ornament can be used to create a sense of place and belonging in contemporary architecture and society. Scholars examine how ornamentation can be used to evoke cultural heritage and tradition, as well as to create a sense of modernity and innovation. They explore how ornamentation can be used to create a sense of community and to promote social cohesion.

The fifth chapter, titled "Ornament and Sustainability," examines how ornamentation can be used to promote sustainable design and environmental stewardship. Scholars explore how ornamentation can be used to create buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. They examine how ornamentation can be used to create buildings that are aesthetically pleasing and that contribute to the well-being of their occupants and the surrounding environment.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive examination of the role of ornament in contemporary architecture and society. Through the lens of Kent Bloomer's extraordinary body of work, scholars explore how ornamentation has been used as a means of social signifier, artistic expression, modernity, identity, place, and sustainability. By reorienting the discourse of ornament from a contentious vestige of modernity to its active relationship with architecture, landscape, urbanism, and a sense of place, this volume contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of ornamentation in our contemporary world.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 148 x 219 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300254716