Introduction, Constructivism and Architecture In 5 Mins

 Hi, My Name is H and this is clearly my first time blogging. I have seen a few of my friends do this, and most of them have been successful with them, so I thought ‘why not, let’s try this out’ so here I am. I’m not sure what exactly to ‘blog’ about, but from what I have seen, I think I can just about pick it up.

My first blog, might be considered slightly random and probably only appreciated by very few. However as I sit here in my student flat, watching the sky struggle to make up its mind about whether it wants to be blue or grey, I have found myself straying from my potential Uni work, to perusing a small project of my own. Constructivism. A Type of Architecture, that was mostly influential of the radical architectural movements that flourished very briefly in the Soviet Union between 1917 – 1920 (Melvin 2008). Largely abstract and non-referential, some example reflect the powerful forms of heavy engineering which give the impression of structures being ‘naked’ yet romanticised (Melvin 2008).

Although this is not one of my favourite forms of architecture, I do have a model that has been stuck on my wall since the day I made it, which is nearing about a year ago now. At the time, jokingly with my boyfriend’s flat mates, we made a mockery of recycling. I gathered together all the stray bits of card a friend was cutting up for his site model, mashed them all up with copious amounts of PVA Glue and left to set. Once dried and solid, I spray painted it with some left over silver paint, again once dried, it then became my ‘Constructivism’ structure (figure 1).

Figure 1: Constructivism Model

Up until now, I have done nothing with it but today it caught my eye and ideas have been flooding. Far from any real project process, I decided it was to be an art gallery of some sort. Although the structure would be ridiculously huge in comparison to the actual usable space, there have been more obscene structures throughout the history of architecture. My gallery would be split into 3 floors (figure 2), the ground would resemble that of the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London anyone who has been able to go to the TM, o knows that the Turbine Hall is clever revamp of space and design and offers a fantastic exhibition space which has housed a whole manor of amazing exhibit. The other two levels would be divided into different collections public and private. The structure of the building would allow a play with light though sky lights (figure 3 & 4) and such like. Also there would be the norm of WC’s Cafe and the all important book shop, but for a 5 second drawing, it’s not half bad.

Figure 2: Section of Art Gallery: Proposed

Figure 3: Detail of Skylight

Figure 4: Balcony concept

So, today, instead of getting on with some Project work, I’ve managed to start another one, take notice of the weather and start a blog, not bad for a day’s procrastinating.

References:

Figures:

Figure 1: Constructivism Model, Authors Own 2011

Figure 2: Section of Art Gallery: Proposed, Authors Own 2011

Figure 3: Detail of Sky-Light, Authors Own 2011

Figure 4:Balcony concept, Authors Own 2011

Bibliography

Melvin J (2008) Isms , London, Herbert Press