Ornament Architecture
In architecture, the oranament is a decoration used to embellish and beautify a part of the building. Ornament may represent the status of the building like power and wealthy. The ornament in architecture then differ from cotemporary ornament, it was only used on a certain part of the building. However, ornament nowadays can include the whole massing of the building. Does ornament equals to crime? I don't think so. Contemporary architecture often use ornament. Even the building's shape is a form of ornamentation. Contemporary ornaments are becoming a general feature of envelopes. Building as a ornament is more on icongraphy. For example, iconographic buildings' form made up with interesting shapes such as waves, lotus, rock and more.
Modern architecture forms are far more interesting in terms of ornamentation. Ornament. some said has been used as a distraction in architecture without a function. Yes. it is true in some architecture. On the other hands, building as ornament also has its function, the theme of it comes the the context. It gives the feeling and meaning to the building.
Case studies
Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan
The form of the building looks like waves. However, the design of the Heydar Aliyev Center establishes a continuous, fluid relationship between its surrounding plaza and the building’s interior. Fluidity is applied on the building. Building as ornament is embedd within the context.
'Ornament is back, but now on the scale of the building as a whole'-Van raaij surmises.
Facades. We want buildings to not only have functions. We also want them to look appealing and attractive. Facade is a component that helps to define the unique architectural aesthetics of the building. It also has the critical role related to energy performance and interior function of a building.
Kunsthaus Bregenz, Austria
The form of the building may looks minimal. Well, the facade of it is one of the ornament of this building. The fafcade consist of etched glass shingles with several functions. It insulate against cold and heat. The incoming light is refracted on the facade before entering into interior. In addtion, it also accoommodates the lighting installation which illuminates the building itself during night time.
Lighting in buildings has also become one of the ornament. Lighting has directly install to show the aesthetic of the building at night time. For examples, LED lights and digital advertisement signage. It changes the perception of the building from day time to night. Lights can somewhat affect our mood in a good way.
In my opinion, I like idea of ornaments in contemporary architecture. It just show how aesthethic the building in the way of architectural. Ornament should have loved by people. Building as ornament. They are used today in a form to represent the image and background of a country. Yes. Functionality comes first. If there is form follow function, then I don't see function follow form is a problem.
