Literature Studies 01.

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.

Introduction.

This academic year I intend to concentrate my thesis research upon the methodologies that inform how additions or 'interventions', a term by which they are more commonly referred, can be practically articulated in regards to an existing context; primarily concerning how tectonics and materiality are the physical tools used to articulate this response.

Additionally this research will also encompass what informs this practical response in the first instance, including the narratives that transpire from the accommodation of activity that, in the end, is the cause of the physical articulation of architecture that has evolved primarily to accommodate need.

Beyond these accepted and objective notions I also hope to explore the notion of perception and association including why in the first instance we might perceive or accept an existing built situation as historic and worth conserving in the first instance.

By studying built precedents, specific theoretical writing and the philosophy of perception I hope to gain an understanding how methodologies have been established and articulated. Regarding a practical response a disused brickworks in Bursledon, Hampshire will then form the vehicle or existing context within which I can physically test my subsequent ideas and conclusions.