Architectural Tectonics

TECTONIC:

• “the expressive potential of constructional techniques”
• “poetics of construction”
• “the art of joining”

You might include the criteria of "structural" or "architectural" in your definition.

Discussion

"we are NOT alluding here to mechanical revelation of construction but rather to a potentially poetic manifestation of structure." [Frampton, Case for the Tectonic]

Classical Principles Challenged

discuss the tectonic

Watercube

DeZeen Urban Furniture

Capital Gate, RMJM Architects

China Central TV Headquarters

Plenary Complex for the German Bundestag

Archery Ranges

Enric Miralles & Carme Pinos

seemingly flexible

Olympic Stadium, Munich

rigid and durable

dynamic

Performing Arts Center

static

biomimicry

forms

StudioFormWork, Tectonics Competition

never imitate natural form

Tectonics

Addendum to View

Incorporates an efficient relationship to matter and energy

Let me give you some perspective....

Aldo RossI

• Matter & Energy must be Harmonious

"makes the relationship of matter and energy a fundamental precondition of architecture"

[Reiser, Atlas of Novel Tectonics]

• The Architecture is the Intervening Variable

"A universe defined by a fixed field and unchanging esseces has been superceded by a matter field that is defined locally only in and through its own interactions."

[Reiser, Atlas of Novel Tectonics]

So....

Santiago Calatrava

"the recurrence of [form dictated by the universal structural law] expresses economic efficiency. "

• Emphasizes Efficient Design based upon Laws

[Tischhamser, Calatrava Public Buildings]

Example:

What does your definition include?

but that's just a small part!

We all have our own fundamental understanding and local definition of the word "tectonic"

But...

[Heinrich Borbein 1982, in: KF 1995: 4]

Classical Principles

Kenneth Frampton

"There is a spiritual value residing in the particularities of a given joint...a point of ontological condensation rather than a mere connection." [Frampton, Case for the Tectonic]

"Duration and durability are the ultimate values" [Frampton, Studies in Tectonic Culture]

KF describes Atectonic as "a manner in which the expressive interaction of load and support in architecture is visually neglected or obscured" [Frampton, Case for the Tectonic]

• Structural
• rigid & durable
• static
• rhythmic
• poetic composition

"This [case for the Tectonic] is not to deny spatial ingenuity, but rather to heighten its character through its precise realization." [Frampton, Case for the Tectonic]

"All architecture which does not express serenity fails in its spiritual mission." "the task of our time is to pcombine vitality with calm" [Frampton, Studies in Tectonic Culture]

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Presented by:

Zachary Hoyt

• Frampton, Kenneth, “Rappel a l’ordre: The Case for the Tectonic”, in: Architectural Design 60, 3-4, 1990. Pp. 19-25.
• FK, Studies in Tectonic Culture, Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press 1995 – EXCERPTS.
• Lefaivre & Tzom’s, Santiago Calatrava, Molta: Milano. 2009.
• Reiser & Umemoto, Atlas of Novel Tectonics, New York: Princeton Architectural Press 2006 – EXCERPTS.
• Tischhamser & von Moos, Calatrava Public Buildings, Birdkhaiser: Berlin. 1998.