This semester we have two more 'theory of design' type classes, and the more university-like structure of them makes me miss the halls of real academia. I am really looking forward to beginning my architectural studies, and though it is home-study based, rather than going to university, I can't wait to learn more about design and less about figuring out how many washrooms to fit in, or how to build an elevator pit.
The one class is taught by a guest lecturer, by the name of Bernard (Bernie) Flaman. He is currently the Provincial Heritage Architect, and I think he may also be involved with Edifice and Us, though I can't be certain. Bernie seems to have a real passion for Saskatchewan architectural heritage, which makes for an immensely interesting class for me.
Well, as I continue to wrestle with my self-imposed perception of my lack of creativity, it makes me wonder if I'll be any good as an architect. I am even taking a drawing class to help build my portfolio, but when I sit down with my sketch book, I can never come up with any ideas to sketch. But in my last class, Bernie said something that gave me much hope and even some direction.
Loosely quoted, he said, "It's not as if there are a great deal of new and wonderful ideas out there that are constantly being dreamed up. There was such a pervasive idea of 'prescriptive design training' influenced Ecole des Beaux-Arts (in speaking of the similarity of design proposals that came forth for the design competition for the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina), that great achitecture entailed understanding what the masters did, and being able to faithfully copy it."
Translation: forget about being uber-creative. Be good at copying what is good design, and then put your variations on it.
Rubber to road for Wade: I am going to start practicing sketching buildings that I like, and stop worrying about coming up with my own crazy new designs (for the time being.)
3 comments:
as in art & fashion, I think that's how most innovative architectural designs are created: by copying what has already been done and putting a new 'spin' on it. it's also possible that everything that can be done, has been done... I mean, how many ways can paint be splattered on a canvas or a body be practically and modestly adorned? we've been recycling ideas for decades.
and in terms of churning out new ideas... even the most talented of artisans have only a few really good ideas in their lifetimes. when photographers take photos, they're lucky if they get 2 good ones out of 200. you really have to be diligent about putting pencil to paper, and brainstorm brainstorm brainstorm!
Wow! You're going ahead with the syllabus program? That's very exciting.
I've got faith that you'll make some wonderful stuff.
Well, my stock answer right now is that I am 80% sure I will go into the Syllabus. I don't want to say for sure until I am closer to it, just in case something changes. I don't want to "be that guy" who is always saying something, but never follows up on his words. But right now I'd say I am closer to 90% sure.
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