Representation and Reality Questions

Stan Allen describes field conditions as “bottom-up phenomena: defined not by overarching geometrical schemas but by intricate local connections.” What are some field condition examples that can be found in the road systems of Lubbock?

The North - South, and East - West grid layout of the streets, and the way the streets are numbered and lettered. The parking lots, and especially the parking spots of parking lots. The stop signs also create a field conditions at intersections of streets. They define what happens as someone approaches an intersection.  

In part 1, Allen distinguishes a geometric relationship of classical architecture from an algebraic combination of the Cordoba Mosque. How do these two architectural examples differ?

In a geometric relationship parts of the architecture make up the whole of the architecture, and it is hard to add on or expand architecture like this. The algebraic combination of architecture is just made up of similar parts and can be easily expanded upon by repeating those parts. 

What are some other examples of field conditions that can be observed around campus?

The side walks and paths, the crowd condition that occurs when people enter the football stadium for a game, and the seats at the football stadium. 

How does a field condition stand to redefine the relation between figure and ground?

It introduces a new variable to the figure and ground by diagramming local connections in the figure and ground. 

What is the reality Michael Benedikt writes about?

The reality of Micheal Benedikt is one that has an absences of symbolism, a tangible reality. It is a physical reality where architecture just exists. The modern movement of architecture starts to represent this reality, but it has a symbolism associated with it because we live in a symbolic world, so it does not represent Micheal Benedikt's reality to the fullest. 

Benedikt describes degrees of reality in architecture as: Architecture of Dreams, Architecture of Games, Architecture of Illusions, Architecture of Enactments and Architecture of Jokes. What are some example buildings that fall under these categories?

The English and Philosophy building at Texas Tech is an Architecture of jokes because of it's use of false balconies and the misuse of brick. It uses brick as a facade and hides the support of the building. It is also an Architecture of illusion because it tries to reflect the Administration building on campus and the Spanish Renaissance style of architecture of that building. 

Benedikt describes “direct esthetic experience of the real” as being moments without symbolism. Where in our environment does symbolism occur and where in our environment is symbolism absent? What is an example of this situation?

Symbolism is present in most, if not all religious architecture, such as, modern churches, Gothic Cathedrals, and mosques. Symbolism is absent in parking lots and utility areas of architecture. These serve a function and do not symbolize anything. 

Although Benedikt’s position pulls examples from the 70‘s and 80‘s to illustrate that an architecture of reality is polar to the post-modern architecture movement, this condition continues to exist today. Where in the city would be examples of an architecture of reality and post-modern architecture?

Post modern architecture can be found is suburban homes, and even some of the homes in Lubbock. There is plenty of post modern architecture present in Ransom Canyon just outside of Lubbock. Las Vegas is also an example of where post modern architecture can be found. The parking lots and utility areas, such as man holes, in a city is where you can find examples of an architecture of reality. 

The four components that define the “realness” of an architecture for reality are: presence, significance, materiality, and emptiness (in two categories). How do these components relate to architecture? and What are some examples of architectural elements that make up these conditions?

Presence in architecture is something that makes an immediate impact on you and it asserts itself like it has a right to be there. As Benedikt describes it, it is architecture that is non-apologetic. Significance in architecture means the architecture has a collective value, and it is important to someone. It would be hurtful to someone, or some people if it where no longer there. Emptiness One is described as a containment of space. An example would be the Kimbell Art Museum by Louis Khan. Emptiness Two is architecture that gravitates a person into a new space, such as an entry way that starts out small and gets larger as it approaches a larger open area. Materiality is the appropriate and accurate use of material. Not to hide or cover up material. A misuse of material would be having an opening in an exterior wall as would be used for a window, and then putting wood up instead of glass.