BP for Feb. 28

Architecture in Happiness

I think that an architecture of happiness is an abstract idea which many architects try and nail and few do.  For everyone, architecture of happiness will be different and people will interpret different buildings and spaces in different ways.  For me architecture of happiness is somewhere where I feel safe, secure, alive, free, and a sense of harmony with my environment.  Architecture of happiness has to be not only visually appealing but also functional, and purposeful--it can't just look pretty.  Although, even simple spaces, at least for me, are in my division of architecture of happiness few do so well.  

Rules of Architecture

1.) Maintain Continuity with the past

2.) Harmony and Order

3.) Layer groves and stacks

4.) Celebrate surface and materiality

5.) Follow the rules--modular systems

6.) Place community needs before your own

7.) Strive for position through patronage

8.) Emphasize spiritual not just religious connections

9.) Sustain systems of representation

10.) Expand your inner world

These rules on architecture and design were presented in class this past week.  I believe that happiness can connect and intertwine with these rules through architecture.  For instance, one place(off-campus) I enjoy is the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center of Charlotte, NC.   This place maintains continuity with the past because it is a theatre and theatres are historically very significant.  Also, historical(classical, boroque, romantic, neo classical) music is performed here which also continues with the past.  Inside the Blumenthal( Here ) there are several examples of layering of stacking and groves.  The most evident is the seating and lighting.  Community needs are also brought to the forefront here, trying to keep music and drama alive in NC!  Also, notice the ceiling.  It has a sense of pulling towards the sky, with perhaps stars?  Possibly a connection with space or even spiritual ideas.

My favorite place AND space on campus is the tree located next to the Faust building(the one with pink on it to the left).  You can actually go inside this tree, there is even a tire swing in it!  Even though this place/space is so simple, it rocks my world!  It is evident that this space has been around for a very long time, the tire swing shows its age.  The surface here is so simple, nature, yet so beautiful at the same time.  This tree is located in a communal area, a park area in front of the Faust building.  When I am in this space I feel like I am somewhere safe away from the rest of the world and somewhere secluded where I can think clearly and just be one with nature per say.  Mother Nature is also a religious connection here, more so a connection with god's world.  Even though this tree is so close to the path next to it, it feels as if you are miles away from people, and you just feel happy!  You should go there sometime and check it out! Bring a lawn chair though!  Trees are one of the most sustainable things on Earth, especially trees protected by the government(this one is).   So this place won't be going anywhere anytime soon.