The Function of Ornament
by Farshid Moussavi
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Book Summary Information
Author: Farshid MoussaviEditor: Farshid Moussavi
Editor: Michael Kubo
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-01-15
ISBN: 8496540502
Number of pages: 192
Publisher: Actar
Book Reviews of The Function of Ornament
Book Review: Nicely put together
Summary: 5 Stars
I guess, to me at least, the title of the book is bit misleading,
it should be "how to make an interesting building skins"
Because this book provides ample examples of great building skins of
contemporary (some past) architecture.
Graphics, analysis, and categorization are the 3 strong points of the book.
Each example is analyzed in the order of following:
1. elements (typically material)
2. key design concept
3. organization and assembly of key building skin
4. overall effect
For example, for Laban Dance Center by Herzog de Meuron, three different
colors and glasses are introduced, how they are used according to the program
inside, how the glasses are put together as double-layer enclosure, and
the daytime/ nighttime effects are analyzed.
The book speaks with graphics, limiting the number of words used.
The graphics were painstakingly achieved. Really delivering the message
clearly and concisely. Hence, essence of the project concept is easily
graspable, yet, at the same time, being graphics, it leaves room for
subjective interpretation.
Summary of The Function of Ornament
Architecture needs mechanisms that allow it to become connected to culture. It achieves this by continually capturing the forces that shape society as material to work with. Architecture's materiality is therefore a composite one, made up of visible forces (structural, functional, physical) as well as invisible forces (cultural, political, temporal). Architecture progresses through new concepts that connect with these forces, manifesting itself in new aesthetic compositions and affects. Ornament is the by-product of this process, through which architectural material is organized to transmit unique affects. This book is a graphic guide to ornaments in the twentieth century. It unveils the function of ornament as the agent for specific affects, dismantling the idea that ornament is applied to buildings as a discrete or non-essential entity. Each case operates through greater or lesser depth to exploit specific synergies between the exterior and the interior, constructing an internal order between ornament and material. These internal orders produce expressions that are contemporary, yet whose affects are resilient in time.Arts & Photography Books
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