Natural & Constructed
What is the role of nature in architecture today? Is nature predominantly a design metaphor, a set of physical factors to emulate, or a set of physical factors to overcome or oppose; some combination of these; or something else?
There are an inseparable relationship in between nature and architecture where architecture serve as a “connection” in between the nature and humans. Besides, the relationship in between humans and nature, as conceptualized by humans, has been ever changing. As in cultural perceptions, the relationship in between nature and humans have changed, where there is the debate about the relationship between nature and architecture. In traditional, architecture respond to the nature by the local condition which are indigenous building materials, considering climate, utilizing existing topographies and considering seismic conditions. Local building materials becomes the main factor in technical deign, where architects sought to “built with nature”. Different with last time, architecture today tend to be more independent from natural, which nature act as a source for design principles, insights, or aspirations. There are some style of architecture which are,
Organic architecture,
A philosophy of architecture which introduce the balance and harmony relationship in between human habitation and also natural world. The design are well integrated the building with the surrounding site. This style can defined by Wright’s work in early 1900s
Biomimetic architecture,
A philosophy of contemporary architecture, which the structure blend with the nature. This style imitates life, behaves like nature and seek solutions for sustainability in nature. Study and analyze how the nature works, the behaviors, living system, patterns and grains.
From the study, I believe that the role of nature in architecture today is as a predominantly a design metaphor and a set of physical factors to emulate. As we understand that the history of architecture consider nature as the basic concept to design the building, “It Is the same in architecture as in all other arts: its principles are founded an simple nature, and nature’s process clearly indicates its rules.” by Marc-Antoine Laugier, excerpts from An Essay On Architecture.
At the initial design stage of a form or space, designers have to study and analyze the nature surround the site regarding physically or non- physically. As we know that human cant live without nature, so no matter how advance the construction technology and materials, there is still a must to have a open “void” to allow the nature air in to the building, not only for thermal comfort and also visual pleasure for users.
Contemporary case study:
The Riparian House, by Architecture BRIO (2015)
“The top of a vegetated roof merges with the top of the hillock, hiding the house from approach on the east side” by architect
Located in Maharashtra, India, where dwelling placed near the foothills of famous Ghats riverfront steps. A complex exterior design was chosen in order to adapt the building to weather changes throughout the seasons. The array of materials - Indian limestone, galvanized steel window, bamboo poles - allow shade and breeze during summer and provide a waterproof indoor environment during stormy monsoons. Extension of the natural landscape, enhancing the under- statedness of house, which green cover serves to keep the house below cool due to its insulative properties.
In my opinion, this building has integrated well with the natural in terms of material selection, analyze the climate condition and provides a good thermal comfort toward users.
Cluny House, by Guz Architects (2009)
Located in Singapore, which the main idea is to create hi-tech house close to nature. They integrated discreetly and work with the nature environment rather than against it. Photovoltaic cells and solar water heaters are employed together with design for passive cooling and cross ventilation to reduce energy usage.
In my opinion, the architect has understand well the nature and site condition, which result a sustainable and comfort living in relationship in between nature and building.
In conclusion, the relationship between nature and architecture are inseparable. No matter how much the designer neglect nature in building design, nature still the base and reference in the end of the product. Against nature will only result a uncomfortable living towards users. Therefore, designers must achieve a balance point in between nature and constructed environment to provides a comfortable and sustainable living condition for users.
