uncg department of interior architecture : iar 222 : fall semester 2010 : patrick lee lucas
one
[1] Select an object or a building from any time period that you believe meets Wotton’s
definition (as cribbed from Vitruvius) of commodity, firmness, and delight. With an
annotated image, take care to EXPLAIN the ways in which you see the definition
realized through the object or building. Use design language and concepts discussed
in class for dealing with precedents (5 points).
I believe that a lamp fits into Wotton’s definition of commodity, firmness, and delight. As for commodity, a lamp is very useful and serves the wonderful purpose of illuminating certain areas of a room. Its function is supported by many; it is used in a variety of ways that the owner of the lamps wishes to use it whether for reading or adding ambiance to a room. Firmness is described as structural or stable I believe that this lamp is stable; I know this from experience because I own it. It does look delicate but when you pull the switch there is no worry that the lamp will collapse in your hand. Also I believe it look much more durable than it needs to be because of the material it is made on. I feel that the metal that the base and the pipe of the lamp make it look more resilient. I believe that this lamp in particular is very enjoyable because of its pattern and the translucency of the fabric that the light glows trough, this realizes the definition of delight. Delight is defined as being pleasing to look as well as aesthetically pleasing and being able to fit harmoniously into a room. I think the colors and patterns on these lamps are fun allowing the lamp to be thoroughly enjoyed my many people who like the look of this lamp.
In conclusion Wotton’s definition of commodity, firmness, and delight can all be seen within this object.
[2] Working from Harwood et al’s concept of cultural precedents, select one of the
contemporary textiles illustrated above and PINPOINT the influences you see from the
eastern world on the production of fabric in the west. Concentrate on motifs and
patterns provided in Harwood’s text (5 points).
http://allfreed.ru/uploads/posts/1111/13071208612479_495009.jpg
Culture plays a huge role in everything in the world including patterns of fabric. Due to globalization the eastern world definitely influences and vice versa. In relation to this fabric and the influence of the eastern world I believe that it is mostly Japanese due to the asymmetrical patterns but still balanced by the hierarchy of the motifs as well as the colors. The bright pink and the size of the flowers draw your eyes there first. The Japanese strongly support nature you can see this with their beautiful gardens and other landscapes throughout Japan. Harwood states that “nature provide the backdrop and inspiration for all design” in my opinions this supports my view that this may indeed be influenced by the Japanese culture.
[3] When considering perceptions of personal and social space, Hall and others
suggest that different cultures have different space needs and attitudes. Most
consider that citizens of the U.S. generally feel a need for more space. How does this
play out in the classroom in which we gather for iar222? (5 points)
I believe that it depends a lot on culture but also how people are brought up. There are some families where each child has their own bedroom and bathroom and others have five children who have to share everything they have. The children who do not have to share are going to be used to more space compared to the children who do have to share. In saying this I believe that different people in our classroom are going to interpret personal space differently. In our classroom I feel very crowded even though it is a large room due the fact that we are all sitting within the first few rows. The seats are close together and we share an armrest with the person next to us. I also think that our classroom was made thinking that everyone was the same average size which is not true. For instance I have much more room in the space that I sit in that a larger person. And being larger in a tight space is not comfortable. Even me being smaller I feel that whenever I move around I may bump the person beside me. I feel that the space uncomfortable but manageable. People can deal with spaces that are close to others but for the most part we try to avoid them the “personal bubble” has become something that if invaded can cause a confrontation.
[4] SPECULATE about whether or not there can be an architecture of happiness, as de
Botton writes in the work by the same title. Provide a juicy quote that helps give
evidence to your views from the passage that you read. Include an annotated image of
a happy object, space, building, or place and specify WHY and HOW your example
exudes happiness (5 points)
http://mytwogirls.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/jungle%20gym.jpg
http://www.furgler.at/wcms/Clients/156200522030730/Images/3044855200551071411.JPG
“ An ugly room can coagulate any loose suspicious as to the incompleteness of life, while a sun-lit one set with honey colored limestone tiles can lead to whatever is most hopeful within us” by De Botton helps show how I feel about an architecture of happiness. I believe that there are things in life that do make people happy such as bright colors, openness, light, and a sense of comfort. This can be interpreted by the way you look at things whether you pay attention to the detail of the navigation of space, or even the form and delight of the object of building. All these things are taken into consideration when creating a space that will please people and make them feel happy. For instance I believe that a child’s jungle gym is made for their enjoyment and happiness. This is shown through the bright and happy colors and the fun and interesting thing to interact with. I do not thing that a black and gray jungle gym would be able to cause a fun and carefree environment.
