“I don’t mind having a parking lot under my windows,” “The lack of trees on the estate doesn’t work for me, I’d rather have a parking space,” “The view from the window of a garbage dump and a busy street? It doesn’t bother me, the important thing is that the apartment is in a good location.” We all hear, or perhaps use such words ourselves. Unfortunately, even if we think something doesn’t work on us, it does, but without our knowledge. The autonomic nervous system simply functions that way – and we won’t take control of it. And that’s fortunate. Today I’m expanding on the topic of neuroarchitecture and organic architecture.
I will start my tour of today’s meandering architecture with organic architecture. What is it and where can it be found? It is a trend in design that draws inspiration from nature, emphasizing the harmonious combination of buildings and the surrounding nature.
Respect for nature. Respect for human beings
Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright developed the concept of organic architecture, which is not a style, but primarily a philosophical stance. It is based on several assumptions. The first is an understanding and respect for nature as an integral part of the design process. Nature is not treated as a background, but as a partner to be worked with. Another premise is the use of organic shapes that blend seamlessly with their surroundings and the natural environment. For Wright, the priority was to make the architecture fit the place and time – almost as if the houses were naturally part of the existing landscape.
Wright based his work on three important points: the specifics of the site, the needs of the customer and the nature of the materials. And, of course, also on respect for natural space, found vegetation and bodies of water. Wright believed that the design should satisfy and even enhance the client’s standard of living. This was to be served, among other things, by the use of appropriate materials for construction – ecological and renewable, which contributes to sustainable development.
“A form is only organic if it stands in natural relation to material and function. An organic form grows into its structure among the same conditions among which a plant grows out of the ground.”
Organic architecture strives to create buildings that resemble organic shapes, patterns and structures found in nature, fluid curves and dynamic proportions. Instead, it avoids rigid lines. The designs are harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape. The goal of this trend is to create an environment that promotes the well-being of people and the ecosystem. Organic buildings use natural sources of light and air ventilation, which translates into energy savings and reduced environmental impact.
Examples and practice:
- Fallingwater
Fallingwater is a summer house that is located in Mill Run, United States. It was designed in 1939. It was ordered by Liliane and Edgar Kaufmann, who commissioned it from Frank Lloyd Wright himself.
The body of the building appears to be dominated by geometric forms, but in fact the lines are slightly curved and some elements are rounded. The building is perfectly blended with nature! It was built from broken stone mined from local quarries. It looks as if it grows out of the rocky ground. The architect decided to include the waterfall in his design as an “integral part of life” for the residents of the designed house. In the ’60s the couple donated the house for public use, later it was turned into a museum. Why did this happen? Unfortunately I don’t know, perhaps living next to the water and the roar of the water masses was not the best idea?
In any case, Fallingwater is considered one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest works. In my opinion, the design is amazing!
fot. Wikipedia
- The High Desert Home
The house was built in the desert of Joshua Tree National Park in the United States. It was designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg. Construction took about 5 years and interior decoration an additional 10 years. The building was completed in 2000.
The block is perfectly integrated into its surroundings. You can say that it is a “rock”. The rounded shapes are somewhat reminiscent of trees and soften the harshness of the landscape, but their color and texture relate to the surroundings. The harmonious combination of nature and architecture is combined here with imitation of forms taken from nature. Take a look at the video – how the play of sun and shadow was used, how the interior looks – it’s a really interesting concept. In 2014 the house was put up for sale, perhaps still waiting for an amateur of desert landscapes.
Both projects are very interesting and I give a nod to the architects, but they have one thing in common – I don’t think anyone would want to live in these houses permanently. In the case of Fallingwater, I could go there on vacation, but I would be concerned about the constant noise of the waterfall. Seemingly it is the sound of nature, but nonetheless dominant. As for the house in the desert – I know people who would feel great there, but you have to be a really strongly introverted person to settle in such an environment. So is organic architecture just such examples? Absolutely not.
These are more examples, to give some balance also:
- Sydney Opera House
fot. Sydney.com
- Thorncrown Chapel
fot. https://thorncrown.com
- Guggenheim museum in Bilbao
Neuroarchitecture – the nervous system in comfort
Human beings, in order to survive, had to learn to build shelters. With the development of civilization, they evolved into buildings that served various functions – apartments, houses, and later offices, restaurants, cinemas. However, the evolution of our brains has not kept pace with civilization changes, including intense urbanization.
Man spent many thousands of years in savanna and nature (savanna hypothesis) and our senses shaped those conditions. The history of cities, urbanization and buildings is relatively new. We seem to forget that for our nervous system we are “human animals” enclosed in buildings!
All this can have a negative impact on our well-being, quality of life and even contribute to the development of mental illness.
And this is where neuroarchitecture comes in, which is a relatively young interdisciplinary research field that combines brain science, neuroscience with architecture and space design.
