Iconic Architecture
Publicerad
Författare
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The ‘STAR ARCHITECTURE’ is dead, Koolhaas stated in 2014. However,
our world is hooked on images, and formed by their re-production, spurred
on by a culture of CONSUMPTION. As consequence, the image now is
the accursed share, an inevitable waste of surplus in any culture of excess.
Since long — eventually tracing back to the renaissance and the invention of
perspective — architecture has become increasingly more image, to the point of
being it foremost. Hence, there is a case to state, that even if ‘star architecture’ is
rightfully claimed dead, it DOESN’T IMPLY the DEATH of the ICONIC.
Quite opposite. In this world, defined by its image creation and consumption,
the ‘iconic’ is of paramount cultural relevance. The icon can be argued being a
highly effective type of image, for instance featuring a high “SIGNAL-to-NOISE
ratio”, coupled with a quality of power. Thus, if the iconic is a key element for
architecture’s cultural capital and currency today, why not expand our critical
knowledge and projective practice to include it as a focus. Can we revisit the
ICONIC CONCEPT to find new relevance, suitable for the current day? With
the outset in architecture being image, design concepts has been tested, following
a method of continuous translation and glitching of images. Both as metaphors
and physical entities. Resulting in part superficial, part significant, translations
from image to “new” architecture, and in part disclosing an iconic nature.
Consequently breeding “new” or recycled imagery, and the iconic. The design
speculation is set within the frame of the partly real vision of a Gothenburg
metro line network.
The thesis started in a dissecting reading process combined with own textual
essay drafting, seeking to deconstruct ideas of “the iconic”. Architectural theory
was combined with media science, semiotics, visual studies and the multi
sensory. Sets of potential design principles were pinpointed. In a second phase
the theoretical framework was partially expressed, aiming to EVOKE discussion
and SENSATION. Including tailored scents as part of an expanded visuality of
the iconic. The designs are intended to be experienced as interfaces. They may
be read as a conceit and tautology of iconic architecture — as “architecturing
imagery”.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
iconic, architecture, multi sensory, collective aesthetics, image, interface, translation, metro, infrastructure