Jerilyn Hale
Thesis Prep I
Assignment 3B
Reflection:
It has been clear to me for some time where my deepest interest run. It is clear when I speak or write about the subject matter of abandoned buildings that there is a passion and curiosity that will not lay equal with my other points of interest. I have had initial interests about abandoned buildings and their relationships to both the nature and the community. What has become apparent through my research and interests is that there is a deep connectedness to the abandoned building and to the textures that exists upon them. It is the weathering of the materials that gives it a more organic texture and creates the boundless manmade earthworks. It is not seeing the building as an eye sore, but a depiction of past with which we can learn from. These structures rest as provocative impressions in the bedrock, with one instance timeless in nature and in the other forgotten in habit. The abandoned buildings have become functionless, so can we still consider them architecture, or are they now works of art if indeed architecture is a “machine for living”?
I am challenged now between ideas of allowing those buildings to decay naturally back to the earth; be as ruins or celebrating successful contemporary conversions of old abandoned buildings that have been given new life. The co-existence with nature to either of the above is just as important. The questions that have been formulated are in progression of my thought process, they in themselves acted as mind maps, just as this page of text has done. It was not my intent to right a reflection first, however for me writing is the best way to get my mind thinking about what it is I like. The outcome is I have not so much reflected upon my questions as I have developed them from out of my inner thoughts.
Ruin, Reuse
How is it chosen which buildings are to remain forever as ruins, and which are okay to convert or even demolish?
When by converting an abandon building how does this change the identity or spirit of the place?
Is it possible to design a new building that evokes the same emotions and attitudes as that of an abandoned building? How can this be done through materials?
How can we emulate the co-habitation present and found with nature and abandoned buildings?
By reusing the existing space and existing materials of an abandoned building, is it possible to create a contemporary structure that is respectful to the site and the already existing relationships?
References
MacKenzie, Maxwell. American Ruins: Ghosts on the Landscape. Minnesota: Afton Historical Society Press, 2001.
McCormick, Thomas J.. Ruins as Architecture: Architecture as Ruins. Dublin, New Hampshire: William L. Bauhan, 1999.
Powell, Kenneth. Architecture Reborn: The conversion and Reconstruction of Old Buildings. London: Laurence King, 1999.
Skrdla, Harry. Ghostly Ruins: America’s Forgotten Architecture. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2006
“OMA at Venice Architecture Biennale 2010.” September 09, 2010.
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