JORN UTZON LOGBOOK VOL II - BAGSVAERD
Utzon’s architecture is primarily concerned with the tectonic and material aspects of construction. It is through this tangible framework that Utzon creates spaces that reflect and embody the context of nature, abstracting the fundamentals of the context into a built form. This is often through standard and typical building detailing and techniques.
Through this manipulation and detailing of materials Utzon is able to construct spaces that evoke an essence or occurrence in nature, such as the roof at Bagvaed Church, which through a practical application of construction and materiality is successful in illustrating the quality of light across a cloudy sky.
In addition to his intuitive observations Utzon also embraces the realities of contemporary construction techniques fully utilising factory-made components, such as Velux windows. These practical methods of construction are combined with other objective systems such as a clear and rigid generating geometry to create ‘the reassurance of something above your head which is built, not just designed.’ This authenticity is articulated through tectonics and materiality, these practical elements ‘collect waxing and waning light, passing shade and shadows, evolving colour, direct sunlight and diffused sunlight.’
Rather than trying to completely transcend beyond the empirical, Utzon instead embraces it as part of the process. By using architecture as the physical framework he is thus able to assimilate and capture rudiments of nature. Interestingly the outward forms of Utzons buildings, after the Sydney Opera House, are rarely complex; instead they concern themselves with gathering the world in and addressing pragmatic isues of accommodation in the first instance.
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