Failed Architecture
Failed architecture can be described in many different ways. Some buildings just do not suit the context of the surrounding area; giving the impression of bad design but maybe just in the wrong place. But others can be very bad designs which are structurally flawed, aesthetically unoriginal or even poor positioning. Structure is obviously one of the most important in terms of safety and cost. But context is equally important in a different way. Either way, failed architecture is always going to happen when there is human involvement.
New York, The Bukharian House
http://failedarchitecture.com/2013/08/new-yorks-worst-architecture-the-bukharian-house/
I think this is a good example of a building not suiting the context of its surroundings. By bringing architecture from central Asia, the Bukharian Jewish immigrants have changed the overall feel and distinction of the New York neighbourhood. The change in building habits and aesthetics has disrupted the neighbourhoods flow of old tudor houses. There is nothing they could do without destroying the buildings which they have no right to do. They have tried to group the large houses in an effort to keep the houses from spreading into other parts of the city.
http://failedarchitecture.com/2013/08/new-yorks-worst-architecture-the-bukharian-house/
I think this is a good example of a building not suiting the context of its surroundings. By bringing architecture from central Asia, the Bukharian Jewish immigrants have changed the overall feel and distinction of the New York neighbourhood. The change in building habits and aesthetics has disrupted the neighbourhoods flow of old tudor houses. There is nothing they could do without destroying the buildings which they have no right to do. They have tried to group the large houses in an effort to keep the houses from spreading into other parts of the city.
The Aon Centre, Chicago http://www.complex.com/art-design/2011/12/the-50-worst-architecture-fails#48 This example shows how materials is very important to a buildings design and structure. The Aon Centre in Chicago was constructed with an exterior of carrara marble which made the building visually stunning and slick. The problems came when one of the exterior marble panels detached falling and hitting the roof of a surrounding building. After an investigation into the incident, they found the marble wasn't as strong and durable as normal building materials. The resurfacing of the tower cost $80,000,000 to correct. In this case they were able to correct the failed architecture as it was a material problem. These sorts of problems can be fixed unlike location and contextual issues. |
20 Fenchurch Street, London
http://www.archdaily.com/423560/ This example has been in the news recently due to its extreme effect on a nearby street. Other than critics disliking the design, the building current has no problems in its structure, aesthetics or context. But it is causing one very large problem with sunlight. Due to the widening of the tower closer to the top, the angle of the glass is pointing the sunlight directly down to the street. There has been complaints of the building creating fires, melting paint on shop fronts, and even melting part of a Jaguar. Temporarily, umbrellas has been installed on the street to limit the amount of damage done by the sun but there is no way they can change the building. Its now near completion and cannot be quickly fixed. This has to be down to poor designing and not taking everything into account. You would have thought they would have assessed the light and how it was going to enter the building, so have they just overlooked an obvious issue? The only way to fix this problem and what I would do is to change the glass to a less reflective alternative. This will cost a lot of money and its not a decision to make lightly, but it is the only solution. |
Solving Issues
Every problem which can occur can be solved in the design process. There can obviously be unforeseen issues which are normally found through impossible situations but if the design is thoroughly looked over these issues shouldn't occur. Thinking about the negatives is probably not the best way to push your design forward, but sometimes looking at how certain things such as materials could go wrong or how they have gone wrong in the past may inform you on a better material or a better way of using it.
Context is very key in the design process and research, and should be contemplated before any construction takes place. If the building will disrupt or change the surroundings too much it should be changed to suit the context. Sometimes the issues are when clients are strict on what they want and disregard the context altogether. The architect has a obligation to try and advise the client towards a better more educated decision but this doesn't always work. This is were building regulations, limitations and approvals are key to creating a fitting building with the surroundings. Without them architecture would be a messy profession with no boundaries leaving a miss match of different styles and design purposes.
Every problem which can occur can be solved in the design process. There can obviously be unforeseen issues which are normally found through impossible situations but if the design is thoroughly looked over these issues shouldn't occur. Thinking about the negatives is probably not the best way to push your design forward, but sometimes looking at how certain things such as materials could go wrong or how they have gone wrong in the past may inform you on a better material or a better way of using it.
Context is very key in the design process and research, and should be contemplated before any construction takes place. If the building will disrupt or change the surroundings too much it should be changed to suit the context. Sometimes the issues are when clients are strict on what they want and disregard the context altogether. The architect has a obligation to try and advise the client towards a better more educated decision but this doesn't always work. This is were building regulations, limitations and approvals are key to creating a fitting building with the surroundings. Without them architecture would be a messy profession with no boundaries leaving a miss match of different styles and design purposes.