The recent shift in architectural styles to high-rise modular blocks arranged in non uniform variations is nothing new. Recent proposals like that of MVRDV's 'The Cloud' generated a number of complaints because of its abstract resemblance to that of the twin towers in mid explosion. The ironic thing about this style of architecture is that it originally stemmed from a post world war two movement called Metabolism. The ironic factor being that it was inspired by a war that flattened parts of Japan. The Metabolism Movement was created to set out a Utopian like goal for a downtrodden post-war Japan that would catapult it into the future. Designs for modern living, pushing the limits of cantilevered systems and seamlessly evolving side by side with the Post Modernist Movement that was sweeping the western world in the early 1950's. Project R6 by REX (Above) is a recent proposal for the International Business District in Seoul. If you compare it to the image at the beginning of the post (Nagakin by Kisho Kurokawa) you will see similarities and a progression inspired by regression. The staggered cantilevered sections creating platforms that defy gravity, the block style of the modern apartments and the uneasy and abnormal aesthetic of the building in general makes for very love or hate opinion. Modernism has influenced the new influx with the need for open space and an abundance of glass to allow for natural light. The movement was short lived, deemed too idealistic and impractical, but there was a very famous group of radical young architects who were inspired from the likes of Kurokawa... Archigram. The pop culture princes of our utopian futures. The designs of blocks moved into place by cranes, walking cities that could move and adapt to change are still a long way away of ever being feasible. However if you look at the work being produced by the likes of MAD and IwoMotoScott, then it's easy to see the influences of this movement. It is more subtly introduced into today's proposals, more feasible and believable, less egocentric and more systematic in creating buildings that change the living and working experience of the people that inhabit them. Practicality keeps us grounded but unreachable progression keeps us excited, keeps us longing for more.
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Having trouble getting your head around what a concept model is? Well you won't be alone. Concept design is a bafflement to the most seasoned of designer. When is a concept just a weird looking model, and when does it become useful? Basically concept models are rudimentary models that help create the overall theme, whether that be form, pattern ot colour that mainly influences your final design.
Any material that inspires your creativity can be used to represent a small part of your final design feature. Using a variety of either handmade, workshop or computerized models you can create and develop ideas into inspirational models. There is method behind the initial madness. |
Designer. Did a blog. Starting blog again. Early Thirties. Like Food. Like Drink. Like Music. Like travelling. If you like this blog get involved, comment and send me a story or a product, lifestyle, or way of life to promote.
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