Experimental architecture

Experimental architecture is a branch of architectural discipline concerned with the development of conceptual projects challenging conventional and consolidated practices. Its main objective is to explore original paths of thought and develop innovative design tools and methodologies.[1]

Experimental architecture was brought into discourse by Peter Cook in 1970, with the publication of his book Experimental Architecture.[2] Through critical readings of several twentieth century projects – architectural and urban – Cook instigated ways of counteracting the architectural rules that “falls back upon tradition, stylization, or can't.” [2]

Definition

The definition of experimental architecture as a distinct disciplinary field is mostly due to the work and research of Lebbeus Woods, who devoted his career to the exploration of the potential carried by an experimental approach to architecture. In 1988 Woods founded the Research Institute for Experimental Architecture (RIEAch), with the intent to promote and develop experimental methods within architectural education and practice. The first RIEAch conference on experimental architecture was held August 4–8, 1989, at the Emmons Farm in Oneonta, New York. Since then, experimental architecture has influenced the pedagogy of various schools and institutions, such as SCI-ARC, Los Angeles;[3] Cooper Union, New York; and "The Bartlett" (Faculty of the Built Environment) at University College London.

Methodology

Following Woods’ scholarship, experimental architecture applies a scientific approach to research, requiring that developments of tools and methodologies can be recorded, evaluated and discussed among a community of peers. The contextualization in scientific tradition derives, for example, from Woods’ interest in Isaac Newton's cause-and-effect determinism; his critique of Descartes; and his dedication to deploy design practices for exploring alternatives to Cartesian space.[4]

History

The concept of experimental architecture has been around since the late 20th century. It is seen as having emerged predominantly as a reaction against the functional and standardized architectural design of the post-war years.[5] Architects reacted by taking inspiration from certain art forms, which eventually culminated in the emergence of the concepts of experimental architecture.[5] Experimental architecture also emerged with the increased inventive use of technology.[6] Experimental architecture was conceived amid advances of innovative materials, computers, communication, transportation and plastics.[7] Experimental architecture seeked to apply these advances to more radical and empowering architecture.[8] Experimental architecture was often considered to be a form of paper architecture, referring to architects making utopian, dystopian or fantasy projects that were never meant to be built.[9]

The concept of experimental architecture was first conceived of by the architect Peter Cook in his 1970 book Experimental Architecture. Peter Cook was also part of the architecture firm Archigram, formed in the 1960s, which embraced the ideology of experimental architecture.[10] However, while the term “experimental architecture” was first coined in Cook’s book, the practice of experimental architecture predates 1970, as there are many examples before this time of architecture that could be considered to be experimental architecture.

Lebbeus Woods is another prominent figure in the conceptualization of experimental architecture, he wrote about the topic in a variety of his published Books, in particular his book “Radical Reconstruction” explores the practice and ideas of experimental architecture.[11] Woods played an integral part in researching and conceptualizing experimental architecture. He established the Research Institute for Experimental Architecture in 1988, from which many architectural organizations followed. He also used experimental architectural concepts in multiple of his architectural designs.[12] He was heavily involved in designing experimental, alternative ways of living.[13] An example of Wood's ideas of experimental architecture is in his Underground Berlin design. During the time of the Berlin wall, Woods came up with an experimental design that involved living underground.[14] This design seeked to overthrow the current system of values and social control through means of experimental architecture.[15] This design may be considered to be paper architecture as it was merely a concept and was never made into reality.[16]

This topic was further explored by the architect Rachel Armstrong, in her 2019 book Experimental Architecture: Designing the Unknown. Rachel Armstrong’s book is predominantly concerned with theorizing experimental architecture.[17] Rachel Armstrongs’ work investigates a new approach to building materials called ‘living architecture,’ which explores the idea of buildings sharing some of the properties of living systems.[18] Armstrong describes experimental architecture to be about challenging the practice of upholding previous principles of architecture that emerged in the industrial age, to take steps towards more ecologically engaged approaches.[19]


References
  1. Woods, Lebbeus (1990). What Does It Mean?, in Cook, Peter. RIEA: The First Conference, New York/Berlin: Princeton Architectural Press/AEDES. ISBN 1-878271-00-8
  2. Cook, Peter (1970). Experimental Architecture. New York: Universe Books. ISBN 0-87663-130-8
  3. Betsky, Aaron (1994).The Pedagogy of Experimental Architecture, in McConnell, Mick LAX; The Los Angeles Experiment, Los Angeles: Lumen Press, ISBN 0-930829-36-0
  4. Woods, Lebbeus (1997). Radical Reconstruction. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 1-56898-286-0
  5. Brayer, M.(2012). Work and Play in Experimental Architecture, 1960-1970. Pca-stream. https://www.pca-stream.com/en/articles/work-and-play-in-experimental-architecture-1960-1970-57.
  6. Armstrong, Rachel(2019). Experimental Architecture: Designing the Unkown. Routledge
  7. Armstrong, Rachel(2019). Experimental Architecture: Designing the Unkown. Routledge
  8. Armstrong, Rachel(2019). Experimental Architecture: Designing the Unkown. Routledge
  9. Spatial Agency: Paper Architects. Spatialagency. {{https://www.spatialagency.net/database/paper.architects#:~:text=The%20phrase%20'paper%20architecture'%20has,also%20abolished%20the%20Academy%20of}}
  10. Davies, Paul(1994). Archigram Experimental Architecture 1961-74. AA Files, no.28: 70-73
  11. Woods, L. (2011). RIEA: the backs story. {{https://lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com/2011/06/25/riea-the-back-story/}}
  12. Dhal, Per-Johan(2022). Riea.Ch Unplugged Live Gigs. Riea.Ch. {{http://www.riea.ch/upload/RIEA%20Live-Gigs.pdf.}}
  13. Lebbeus Woods - Wikipedia. En.Wikipedia.Org. {{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebbeus_Woods}}
  14. Lebbeus Woods - Wikipedia. En.Wikipedia.Org. {{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebbeus_Woods}}
  15. Lebbeus Woods - Wikipedia. En.Wikipedia.Org. {{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebbeus_Woods}}
  16. Lebbeus Woods - Wikipedia. En.Wikipedia.Org. {{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebbeus_Woods}}
  17. Armstrong, Rachel(2019). Experimental Architecture: Designing the Unkown. Routledge
  18. (2018). Prototyping Possibilities for an Ecological Era.{{https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/events/experimental-architecture-prototyping-possibilities-for-an-ecological-era}}
  19. Armstrong, Rachel(2019). Experimental Architecture: Designing the Unkown. Routledge


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