I think this is one of the last projects by the The Architect's Collaborative. It's hard to reconcile this thoroughly contextual building with the revolutionary modernism that distinguished the firm over four decades, but I don't regard this as a betrayal of a dogma. Despite the stylistic bent of Gropius and his contemporaries, the imagery of modern architecture was supposed to be less important than the method of design.
The word "collaboration" stands at odds with the trope of the heroic architect who has a vision that is unique, powerful, and not subject to revision or criticism.Gropius, by some accounts did not fit this image of heroism--he served a more important role as visionary and philosopher. He was not embroiled in conflicts within the firm, or during the construction process. Perhaps he helped create a different character in the architectural profession; that of the inspirational collaborator.
I wonder if any of these stories are even true.
No comments:
Post a Comment