Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Chosen Parti
Parti - Structure
The Utzon's decided to move inland and build on their "paradise" site. They called this house Can Feliz. Can Feliz provided a new refuge from which he could contemplate the sea, away from the growing crowds of architects continually marvelling over his previous location. The place from which the landscape has the greatest force. Where the house fitted-in with the countryside itself in the best way, and was absorbed into it. "This is the only thing I can do, this is how I express myself".
Can Feliz is like a living, breathing body. You can see outside into the vast natural landscape, where there is a sense of peace and tranquility, where the outside can't really see in. There is a certain mystery about the Can Feliz, where only those lucky enough to stumble across its existence will have the chance to marvel at its beauty.
The house follows the slope of the mountain terraces, built of fine, local yellowish lime-stone, cut in blocks at the nearby quarry. Large windows between tall, slim stone columns. A view over the self-sown landscape. Jorn Utzon sought grand simplicity. Nature and empty spaces, just like sites of the ancient temples. "One should welcome the sun". Utzon built colonnades to keep the sun out during the warm summer months, and admitting the sun during the winter months, when it can quickly provide heat. Tall columns, as in the Greek temples, where the freestanding columns provide a sense of harmony. There is nothing to block the view, you can look directly out at nature. Unspoiled nature without culture.
All the materials used here represent their own expression, with their own character and textural effect. "Nature taught me to be occupied by structure, and to reveal it". Utzon worked to create a place that is in harmony with the grand symphony of this landscape. Utzon picked a leaf from a tree, showing the structure of the ribs and said: "See this is my inspiration".
Can Feliz is like a living, breathing body. You can see outside into the vast natural landscape, where there is a sense of peace and tranquility, where the outside can't really see in. There is a certain mystery about the Can Feliz, where only those lucky enough to stumble across its existence will have the chance to marvel at its beauty.
The house follows the slope of the mountain terraces, built of fine, local yellowish lime-stone, cut in blocks at the nearby quarry. Large windows between tall, slim stone columns. A view over the self-sown landscape. Jorn Utzon sought grand simplicity. Nature and empty spaces, just like sites of the ancient temples. "One should welcome the sun". Utzon built colonnades to keep the sun out during the warm summer months, and admitting the sun during the winter months, when it can quickly provide heat. Tall columns, as in the Greek temples, where the freestanding columns provide a sense of harmony. There is nothing to block the view, you can look directly out at nature. Unspoiled nature without culture.
All the materials used here represent their own expression, with their own character and textural effect. "Nature taught me to be occupied by structure, and to reveal it". Utzon worked to create a place that is in harmony with the grand symphony of this landscape. Utzon picked a leaf from a tree, showing the structure of the ribs and said: "See this is my inspiration".
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Assignment 1
Villa Can Feliz
Jorn Utzon
Jorn Utzon
The Utzon's decided to move inland and build on their "paradise" site. They called this house Can Feliz. It is in the mountains, far away from the humid sea breezes, with big windows overlooking the green pine grove that reaches down to the sea.
Can feliz is a house in the mountains that belongs more to the traditional houses of the island, even reaching the point of being passed by unnoticed. Can Feliz is built round a terrace, following the pattern of orthogonal axis and is built under one tiled roof.
However much Utzon has insisted on his joy at receiving visitors, the fact that the house is so difficult to locate has contributed to the creation of the myth of the badly treated architect who has retreated into his refuge. Can Feliz has appeared in publication as it were a magical place and, includes, of course, the indispensable requirement of any utopia, apart from it's marvellous qualities, be an insuperable gap from the rest of the world.
Can Feliz expressed Utzon's love for the concept of platforms. The house has been described as a miniature acropolis.
Jørn Utzon's design of Can Feliz encompasses the architectural pursuits of his career; his use of natural materials connects with his interest in 'the platform' and in the ancient Islamic and Mayan cultures, along with Japanese and Chinese architectural culture
Can Feliz connects with the solidity of the hillside it is situated on, promenading out on a platform and built from stone masonry. It harkens back to ancient structures of the region, and has been described as a 'miniature acropolis'. Asian ideals of order and organisation are also present, as seen in the construction of the entry collonade, which forces you to turn to enter the building, 'keeping out evil spirits'.
Can feliz is a house in the mountains that belongs more to the traditional houses of the island, even reaching the point of being passed by unnoticed. Can Feliz is built round a terrace, following the pattern of orthogonal axis and is built under one tiled roof.
However much Utzon has insisted on his joy at receiving visitors, the fact that the house is so difficult to locate has contributed to the creation of the myth of the badly treated architect who has retreated into his refuge. Can Feliz has appeared in publication as it were a magical place and, includes, of course, the indispensable requirement of any utopia, apart from it's marvellous qualities, be an insuperable gap from the rest of the world.
Can Feliz expressed Utzon's love for the concept of platforms. The house has been described as a miniature acropolis.
Jørn Utzon's design of Can Feliz encompasses the architectural pursuits of his career; his use of natural materials connects with his interest in 'the platform' and in the ancient Islamic and Mayan cultures, along with Japanese and Chinese architectural culture
Can Feliz connects with the solidity of the hillside it is situated on, promenading out on a platform and built from stone masonry. It harkens back to ancient structures of the region, and has been described as a 'miniature acropolis'. Asian ideals of order and organisation are also present, as seen in the construction of the entry collonade, which forces you to turn to enter the building, 'keeping out evil spirits'.
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