Point: Alternatives

In the alternative unit, architects attempted to find alternate ways of doing similar things that were done in the foundations unit. During the Renaissance period, architecture was all about reviving the classics and alternating it to suit their own needs. The Baroque style, on the other hand, was more about testing their boundaries of what could be done, and breaking rules of the former period.

In class, we talked about what the top ten rules of the Renaissance might be. We came up with these: single decorative façade, revive the classics, man is the measure of all things, separation of spaces, harmony through repetition, geometric patterning, patronage dominates the building industry, no building is just one style, boundaries, edges, and borders are important, and separation of public and private. The Chateau Chambord in France is a good example of how different styles come together to form something new in the Renaissance style. The castle combines two main styles – by having a Gothic top half and Classical bottom. The chateau was originally built as a hunting lodge and was altered considerable during the 20 years after it was built in order to excel. Showing almost (if not all) of the rules of the Renaissance, this castle is an archetype of Renaissance architecture.

In contrast to the Renaissance period, Baroque style is much different. Some rules we came up with were: fluidity, lack of boundaries, challenged authority, innovative, tested limits, and use of drama. The Giardino di Boboli is a great example of the Baroque style. The design of this garden was originally supposed to be of Renaissance style and more classical. But as time went on, the design had changed and captured the drama of the early Baroque period. The site uses all of what is included – the garden, trees, hill, and water with tricks to showcase theatricality. Bernini’s David is yet another example of Baroque and how it challenges authority. This statue of the biblical character can be compared to Michelangelo’s statuary version of David which is of the Renaissance style. A typical example of inside of the box (Renaissance) versus out of the box (Baroque) can be seen here. Michelangelo shows David at a standstill, copying forms of Greek sculpture in the way David is posed. There is very little movement going on and his stance is confident. Bernini’s version of David is very different. David is shown in the midst of movement (movement was a popular study for Baroque artists). Bernini’s David took a spin off of what people were used to and did something new and dramatic.

The idea of creating alternate ways of doing things is something that affects my own design work. I’m pretty sure most designers don’t go with the first thing that pops into their heads when designing something. I know when I design something, it takes many cycles of rethinking and reworking what I already have and eventually coming up with something that works. I find alternative ways of making something work to suit the needs better, just like the architects from the alternative unit did.

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For my image representing Alternatives, I chose to show a Sony Walkman (1979) and an Apple iPod Touch (2007). The designer of the iPod used what the Walkman and other portable music players could do but alternated it and changed it to be more convenient for its users when it was created.