Final exam. Theories of Architecture and Interiors . Gesamtkunstwerken

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Theories of Architecture and Interiors
Gesamtkunstwerken
Gesamtkunstwerk is a German word that means universal work and refers to work of art that incorporates various art forms including painting, literature, and architecture among others. The term was first used in the early 19th Century by a German philosopher and writer and has been particularly related with aesthetic ideals in architecture such as furnishings and landscape. The theory and concept of Gesamtkunstwerk encouraged architects to polish up on their architectural skills and take up more control on their building designs which included everything that was involved in the building. The architects hence strived to create unified structures where the total artwork had from the drapes, flatware to walls and windows uniformly and uniquely made. Structures were then made as harmonious individual pieces with aesthetically cohesive components. The Hotel Tassels in Brussels is one the finest examples of the work of art that incorporated the concept and theory of Gesamtkunstwerk. Its nature inspired yet elegant curvilinear nouveau style was a sight to behold and had each element of the building carefully designed by Victor Horta. Wiley acknowledges the efforts in his article and states “Absolutely everything conformed to the organic aesthetic art nouveau, creating a building that feels alive and natural in every aspect” (Wiley 23). Robie House in Chicago is another example that incorporated the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk in every part of its design.
Bauhaus school, an art and craftsmanship institution developed a modern approach of the theory of Gesamtkunstwerk. The school advocated for artists and architects to diversify their skillsets so that they are able to apply different artistic mediums in their designs.
Avant-Garde
Avant-garde in architecture relates to an art work masterpiece that is innovative and radical. It was established as a deviation from the normal aesthetic principles to a new form of expression. Artistic trends including cubism, expressionism and constructivism are a product of the Avant-garde school of architecture. New technological developments also played an integral part in the architectural metamorphosis to the Avant-garde style. The style provided innovative design solutions that appealed to many of the architects and developers during the early 20th Century. The Avant-garde style later developed the deconstructivism trend that was characterized as shared by Morgan “The characteristics of the deconstructive architecture include, for example, irregular bodies of buildings, fragmented, multilayer form with abstract geometries and unique combinations of materials” (Morgan 35). The style provided a different form of architecture from the symmetrical and aesthetic concepts to unique designs that were almost considered impossible. It combined themes from the Bauhaus school under the Gesamtkunstwerk theory with the new trends of constructivism and expressionism to make designs that leave a longstanding impression on individuals. Most of the current Avant-garde architectural designs and concepts are being witnessed in Spain and include the Torre Agbar tower in Barcelona that is eye catching in its cylindrical shape. Modern architects have also incorporated various aspects of the Avant-garde style in their designs around the World and mostly in the building of museums or unique urban spaces.
Plasticity
Plasticity in an architectural sense refers to a building that observes a sculptural three dimensional form regardless of whether it comprises of straight lines. Architects interested in architectural plasticity often strive to create a balance in the simplicity and plasticity of a building and as a result most of end products will have components of each. A plastic building therefore in architectural talk refers to one that the architect deformed from a simple design to one that is more complex. Ferguson gives a detailed description of architectural plasticity in his article and notes “The term plasticity refers to the emotionality, artistic wholeness, and visual persuasiveness of the modeling of three dimensional forms in sculpture” (Ferguson 12). In addition, it combines the ability of an architect to combine what he wants to express with his design and the inner fullness of the final product. Therefore, plasticity is associated with the representation of the plastic arts of architecture, painting and engraving in planar surfaces with the final product and design in three dimensional volume and dimensionality. The most common form of plastic used by architects today to achieve plasticity in their designs and building is the polymer and which majorly imitates other materials. Vinyl window frames and plastic roof tiles are nowadays being designed and adopted in many buildings to mimic the traditional wood constructions. The Plasticity pavilion designed by an Ohio State University professor highlights the future of plastics.
The New Monumentality
The idea of “New Monumentality” was first established and identified with architecture in the middle 20th Century and was intended to combine various concepts of modern architecture and the traditional monument ideology. Monuments are basically historical buildings and sculptures with unique yet traditional designs. As a result, the theory of new monumentality was aimed to modernize the historical statues, sculptures and buildings without necessarily lo...