Interior View of the Pantheon
Abbe Laugier's Rustic Hut
Modern Crane Assisted Construction
University of Waterloo
School of Architecture
Arch 443 / 646
Architecture
and Film 2005:
Environments in Zero Gravity
INTRODUCTION:
Defying Gravity: Space Architecture in Film Environments
The Purpose and Authorship of this Project:
This project is the work of the students enrolled in Arch 443/646: Architecture and Film during the Fall of 2005. Based upon the films viewed this term, the topic of zero gravity and space genre films, and the demonstration of their ability to create a small web site using Macromedia Dreamweaver MX.
Background:
For the last century, the medium of film has allowed increased understanding and appreciation of the realistic, three-dimensional occupation of architectural and urban spaces that previously existed as captives of word and two-dimensional representation. These would include not only the reconstructions of actual historic places, but also visionary or imaginary places. From the representation of 16th century Prague in “The Golem” (1921), to the ancient splendor of Rome in “Ben Hur” (1959) or Egypt in “Antony and Cleopatra” (1972), traditional film techniques have been relatively successful in bringing ruins to life and allowed for their experience – albeit with varying degrees of historic accuracy.
Gravity determines architectural form and structure. There is very little that has been developed throughout the history of architectural form and structure, from early Roman vaulting through to modern steel construction, that cannot be attributed to more and more refined responses to the actions of gravity on structure and materials. The development of all structural form, from the simple beam, round arch, gothic arch and systems of vaulting, to more complex structures, has, in combination with specific material properties and limitations, responded to the need to control gravitational forces. Real architecture must function in a real world, governed by the laws of science.
Techniques – trial and error experimentations – have given way to Technology – scientifically driven quantifiable engineering – but regardless of the century or the prevalent architectural styles or egos, gravity has ruled. The triumph of gravity over the challenging efforts of architecture and engineering has meant failures, collapse, and sometimes, death. Toss a little bit of rain and wind into the mix, and the results must often be overbearingly pragmatic.
Gravity has also determined the way that we occupy space, and hence, the way that we must design space. The floor is where we walk. Walls and ceilings bound us, but we are not obliged to come into contact with those surfaces unless we so choose. Material placements have developed that respond to issues of wear and durability, again subject to gravitational orientation. Scientific concerns have driven the design of structures and architectural systems since the notion of shelter was first conceived. Speculations during the 1700s as to the origins of architecture – Laugier’s “Rustic Hut” – all support this tradition in the development of architecture. Simply by turning relationships "upside down", let alone removing the force of gravity, makes us question the logic behind everything that we can see.
| gravity index |