Totem and Taboo in Architectural Imagination

The architecture of the present time is characterized by post-production, montage, parody, ornament, and the relationship with the classic, which seeks to illuminate hidden knowledge and processes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: LetteraVentidue Edizioni srl

The architecture of the present time is a fascinating and complex field that seeks to illuminate hidden knowledge and processes through a few key concepts. While it may appear essential to understand, upon closer analysis, it reveals itself to be an absence, an unsolved problem, and an enigma hidden behind a culture secretly afflicted by iconoclasm.

Post-production and montage are two powerful features of the architecture of the present time that have become indispensable but often hidden creative components. In the avant-garde, these techniques were used to create new and innovative forms of expression, but they have since become fixed as essential elements of architectural practice. However, they are often hidden from view, buried beneath the surface of buildings or overshadowed by other design elements.

One of the most interesting aspects of post-production and montage in architecture is their ability to undermine the immediate message of a building. By manipulating images and materials, architects can create new meanings and interpretations that challenge the viewer's assumptions and perceptions. This can lead to a more unstable and interesting architectural landscape, where buildings are open to multiple interpretations and meanings.

Another powerful feature of the architecture of the present time is the parody. While it may be hidden, almost always present, the parody corrodes the immediate message of architecture and makes it more unstable and, above all, more interesting. The parody takes advantage of the inherent absurdity of some architectural designs and uses humor to undermine their seriousness and authority. This can lead to a sense of playfulness and humor in the architectural landscape, which can be refreshing and engaging for the viewer.

Ornament is another component that has been censored by Modernism but is now making a comeback in new guises. Ornamentation was a prominent feature of traditional architecture, but it was often criticized for its decorative and superficial nature. Modernism, in its quest for simplicity and functionality, sought to eliminate ornamentation, viewing it as a waste of space and resources. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in ornamentation, with architects exploring new ways to incorporate it into their designs.

One of the most interesting aspects of ornamentation in architecture is its ability to create a sense of depth and complexity. Ornamentation can be used to create intricate patterns and designs that add visual interest and texture to buildings. It can also be used to create a sense of hierarchy and order, with ornamentation used to highlight important features and areas of a building.

The relationship with the classic is another secret affair that remains as a founding root of Western architecture. While Modernism sought to break away from the past and create new and innovative forms of expression, it is impossible to ignore the influence of the classic on contemporary architecture. The classic is a source of inspiration and wisdom, and architects continue to draw on its principles and ideas to create new and innovative designs.

One of the most interesting aspects of the relationship with the classic is the way

In conclusion, the architecture of the present time is a fascinating and complex field that seeks to illuminate hidden knowledge and processes through a few key concepts. Post-production and montage, the parody, and ornamentation are powerful features of the architecture of the present time that have become indispensable but often hidden creative components. These features undermine the immediate message of architecture, create a sense of instability and interest, and create a sense of depth and complexity. The relationship with the classic is a secret affair that remains as a founding root of Western architecture, providing inspiration and wisdom for architects to create new and innovative designs. By exploring these features and others, architects can create buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and that contribute to the betterment of society.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 165 x 120 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788862425919