Arts Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum Visual Arts Video: Modernism in Architecture [Student notes] Organizer Sponsor Research Team
Contents Preamble Learning plan Lesson 1: Modernism in Architecture 1.1 What is Modernism? 1.2 Architecture and Modernism 1.3 Modern Architecture in Hong Kong Exercise: Appreciation and Interpretation of Modern Architecture Appendix: Aesthetics of photography Summary, Key words and Further reading i 01 01 02 04 05 06 Disclaimer Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Topic 02 Video: Modernism in Architecture Major teaching areas Visual Arts Visual Art Appreciation and Criticism in Context Formal knowledge Signs and symbols Types of image and image development strategies Knowledge of history and ways of seeing Knowledge in context Related teaching areas Visual Arts Visual Arts Making Learning objectives To learn about Modernism impacts on architecture in the 20 th century To identify modern features of architecture in Hong Kong To appreciate the aesthetics of Modern architecture through photography Learning plan Lesson Lesson 1 Modernism in Architecture Contents 1.1 1.2 1.3 Exercise The Modernist movement Modernist impacts on architecture Features and reasons for modern architecture in Hong Kong Appreciation and Interpretation of Modern Architecture i
Lesson 1 Modernism in Architecture 1.1 What is Modernism? Modernism describesan artistic and cultural movement that arose in the early 20 th century. Modern design: p The Parthenon in Athens is in classical style. Karen Tsui 1.2 Architecture and Modernism Architectural Modernism was widely adopted after the Second World War, and continued as a dominant architectural style throughout the 20 th century. Modernist architects: Le Corbusier Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Louis Kahn Frank Lloyd Wright Walter Gropius p Schröder House in Utrecht is an example of Modernism in architecture. Mike Hui Less is more. Mies van der Rohe q (left) Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe, (right) Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier 01
1.3 Modern Architecture in Hong Kong Architectural features of Modernist architecture: Emphasis on building space based on function No decoration Simple architectural components Geometric forms Suitable for modern living Based on industrial products Form follows function. Louis Sullivan Reasons for the spread of modern architecture in Hong Kong: Examples of modern architecture in Hong Kong: Queen s College Public housing projects of the 1960s City Hall Jardine House Bridges Street Market 02
[Discussion] 1 What Modernist architectural features can you find in the design of City Hall? p Memorial Garden outside City Hall t Facade of the tall block of City Hall q Semi-open space of City Hall 03
p Bridges Street Market, Central [Exercise] Appreciation and Interpretation of Modern Architecture Visit a Modernist building in Hong Kong. Capture the aesthetics of modern architecture with your camera. Develop 5 images that you find are most suitable to express the concept of Modernism. Write around 100 words to describe your perception and give your collection a title. Arrange your works in your own creative composition. Suggested buildings include: City Hall Bank of China Tower Murray Building Bridges Street Market AIA Central St George s Building Media Corner Expression of Modern Architecture: Creative works from 3 local artists http://rthk.hk/elearning/architecturetour/artist.htm#karena 04
[Appendix: Aesthetics of photography] 1. Composition of photography Composition of photography has only one objective: telling the story. There are several ways to compose the objects in your captured image. 井 -composition - Most traditional way of visual balance Shapes - Circles represent fullness, completion and warmth - Rectangles represent human forces, limitations and enclosure - Triangles represent stability and safety. When the triangular composition is reversed, it gives a sense of instability. Linear - Horizontal representing wide, far and peaceful, suitable for landscape images - Vertical representing infinite extension, tall and strong, suitable for portrait images - Diagonal representing movement and perspective - Curved representing indirect guidance to the space - Framing - Invisible lines indicate visual pathways and visual connection - Breaking line balances the image when one particular is too strong Angles - Centred - High-angled - Low-angled Tones and hues - Contrast - High tone - Low tone Expression of depth u Making use of framing, depth, tones and source of light to capture the expression of space Karen Tsui 2. Source of light Light is the most essential element in photography. There are different ways of using light to express your ideas in the frame Nature of light - Direct for sharp and course images - Reflected for soft and peaceful images Directions of light - Front light shows everything in front of the camera but makes objects appear flat - Side light shows the depth and texture of the object - Back light puts the objects in mysterious shadow 05
Summary Modernism was widely adopted in architecture after the Second World War, and became a dominant architectural style in Hong Kong in the 20 th century because of the following concepts: form follows function, simplicity efficient construction approaches Modernism did not abandon aesthetic values; on the contrary, historic precedents were abandoned and designers delighted in this new form of architecture. Key words Modernism Form Function Geometry Minimalism Further reading 1. 香港電台, 漫遊城市建築 http://rthk.hk/elearning/architecturetour/index.htm 2. Le Corbusier Foundation http://corbu.urbavisit.com/pages/accueil/accue_en.html 3. Vision of Space - BBC documentary 2003: Mies van der Rohe Less is More. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruqdqwf4otu 4. Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation http://www.franklloydwright.org/ Organizer Sponsor Research Team 06