Category Archives: Critical Perspective III

Zhan_Jingyu_ReadingRespond#3

Performance/Architecture

An Interview with Bernard Tschumi

In the interview, Tschumi proposes that architecture is about activating space through the movement of bodies. He considers the relationship between architecture and performance is inseparable, since he reveals that architecture is both the space and what happens in it. The performance in space is as important as space itself. In addition, the definition of architecture is connected to space, movement and  what happens in it. Architecture consists of  concept and experience. One part of architecture is highly abstract, and another part is highly experiential. He also expresses that architecture is perceived through performance which contributes to the understanding of space.  The notion of public space can be embodied through space where performance takes place.

Clarke_Shanae_Reading_Summary_Tschumi

Shanae Clarke
Learning Places.

In the article “Performance/ Architecture: An Interview with Bernard Tschumi” the author began by giving us an idea about who Mr.Tschumi is and how his views and opinion ” there is no space without event” impacted how architecture and performance are viewed today. According to the author architecture is now perceived more as a “dynamic space-in-flux” rather than a just a fixed object. The article also spoke about Mr.Tschumi passed work experiences. He worked with students at a number of different architectural schools where he focused on space and movement notation. Throughout the interview Mr.Tschumi spoke about the crossover between art, architecture and other disciplines. he expressed that even though bodies in a space is important that space itself was just as important. He also stated that there is no architecture without a program. The program including labeling the way a space would be used. However Mr.Tschumi thought that they should give students a short story the students were to try and invent a building based on their interpretation. The students were told not to use the traditional tools such as plan, section and elevations, but they should try to document the movement of their bodies in spaces. Mr.Tschumi explains that “architecture is not about form or the knowledge of form but is a form of knowledge”. Which means architecture can create a the world around us. Architects have more power than they think they do. He never wants to fall into what was expected. Mr.Tschumi constructed a concert hall, he then won an award to build another concert hall. Which he ended up doing with the same program but different materials. He did this to analyze the difference the effect of the concert hall, in the place of steel and concrete he used translucent polycarbonate and wood.
In conclusion, Mr.Tschumi understood that space affect everything and the material used to build a structure will too.