Week 05 // Reading Reflection : Architecture Dissidence

“When you stop moving, space flattens.” Ric Scofidio

 

 

All original photos of the ICA by Helen Ma

 

I found the article regarding Diller Scofidio + Renfro's approach to practice very intriguing. Diller suggests to think of space in temporal terms: in the dimension of time and movement and to accept that there is more to architecture than spacemaking but to consider architecture as event-making where perception / space / use / choreography / setting / relationships are all interwoven.

The article suggests that the anomaly of DS+R within contemporary architectural practice is the way the firm has maintained its experimental character despite the growing scale of its interventions and commissions.

The studio has a strong basis in research rigeur with a consistently high level of inquiry maintained and which is then able to feed into their larger projects that have a client and a budget.  Their research takes on different forms including crossing into the realms of feature film, art installation, theatre and writing. There is a strong desire in their studio to keep this part of the practice alive despite it being a financial cost to the studio overall as the added value derived and able to be filtered into their daily work which pays the bills is considered invaluable.

I find this interdisciplinary outlook and approach to be something very worthwhile to aspire to. It's important to consider design in a holistic manner as being capable of influence, collaboration and exchange with other creative and artistic endeavours.

Furthermore, the article was of additional special interest as I visited one of the buildings by DS+R on a recent trip to Boston.

The Boston Institute of Centemporary Art was one of my favourite locations I visited during my trip. The art museum designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro opened in late 2006. Located at Fan Pier on the waterfront the museum is such a wonderful art space full of light and transparency. Furthermore, I love a good stair and you can probably tell from my photos that I was a fan of all the stairs at the ICA! I loved the public space extending out over the water with beautiful views back towards Boston city. 



All original photos of the ICA by Helen Ma