Exploring the World of Micro Architecture
Katherine Benaim
Contemporary Craft
Year 2
Exploring the world of Micro Architecture
In this essay I will be exploring the ways in which other cultures and societies can influence our own in terms of Art and Architecture. I will also endeavour to understand the history and social desire for smaller buildings, and how it effects artists and designers and moreover, the earth.
Our childhood evokes many memories of the evolution into adulthood, and we try desperately to hold on to them. Impossible to relive those moments, we can only try to re-enact the places where we spent those innocent years. A common factor in most children is finding a refuge from adults and the real world. By devising spaces whether it is underneath a table, fabric between chairs, tree houses (those who are lucky enough), even a cardboard box, anywhere that would be an adult free sanctuary.
As time moves on and responsibilities greaten, we find ourselves desiring stability. Having a permanent home, perhaps starting a family, developing a routine that we may continue for the rest of out lives. However, conflicting with this need for stability, we also have a compulsion for change. Whether it is a job change, a sabbatical, or a new home. A dramatic change is needed sometimes to flee from the ‘normal’ life we live. Somewhat how we felt when we were children.
In first world countries, consumerism and the desire to have more, has formed a society where more is better and less is worse. However, in recent years it has become fashionable to be scaling down and regenerating the designs and influence of the past of our own and other cultures. Mixing the old with the new seems to be very popular in art and design at the moment, especially in the restoration of old buildings. Seeing an old building with a strikingly modern interior is an incredibly striking juxtaposition.
With national concern about the earth getting hotter and sea levels rising, a fear has struck many people in the
Contemporary Craft
Year 2
Exploring the world of Micro Architecture
In this essay I will be exploring the ways in which other cultures and societies can influence our own in terms of Art and Architecture. I will also endeavour to understand the history and social desire for smaller buildings, and how it effects artists and designers and moreover, the earth.
Our childhood evokes many memories of the evolution into adulthood, and we try desperately to hold on to them. Impossible to relive those moments, we can only try to re-enact the places where we spent those innocent years. A common factor in most children is finding a refuge from adults and the real world. By devising spaces whether it is underneath a table, fabric between chairs, tree houses (those who are lucky enough), even a cardboard box, anywhere that would be an adult free sanctuary.
As time moves on and responsibilities greaten, we find ourselves desiring stability. Having a permanent home, perhaps starting a family, developing a routine that we may continue for the rest of out lives. However, conflicting with this need for stability, we also have a compulsion for change. Whether it is a job change, a sabbatical, or a new home. A dramatic change is needed sometimes to flee from the ‘normal’ life we live. Somewhat how we felt when we were children.
In first world countries, consumerism and the desire to have more, has formed a society where more is better and less is worse. However, in recent years it has become fashionable to be scaling down and regenerating the designs and influence of the past of our own and other cultures. Mixing the old with the new seems to be very popular in art and design at the moment, especially in the restoration of old buildings. Seeing an old building with a strikingly modern interior is an incredibly striking juxtaposition.
With national concern about the earth getting hotter and sea levels rising, a fear has struck many people in the
References: Richardson, P. 2007. XS Green: Big Ideas, Small Buildings. 1st Edition. London, Thames and Hudson. Pg. 11. Nelson, P. 1994. Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb. 1st Edition. New York, Marnier Books. Pg. 8. Klanten, R and Feireiss L, 2007. Spacecraft. 1st Edition. Berlin, Die Gestalten Verlang. Pg 119. Quinze, A. 2009. Press Release. Africa Electronica. Philips de pury, London. Klanten, R and Feireiss L, 2007. Spacecraft. 1st Edition. Berlin, Die Gestalten Verlang. Pg 10. Horden, R. mch@hcla.co.uk, 2010, Micro Architecture, Recipient – Benaim, K. Kittybenaim@hotmail.co.uk. 15 January 2010 08:44:37. Slavid, R. 2007, Micro: Very Small Buildings. 1st Edition. London, Laurence King Publishing Ltd. Pg. 141. [1974]