Like pudding, which needs to be eaten to see whether it is any good, architecture needs to be used to see whether it works. After all, architecture is designed for use of some sort which is underscored by the existence of “folly” to denote buildings not intended for any use at all. No idea what the etymological roots of this word are, but it sounds a lot like foolish. So how do you find out as an architecture-newbie whether or not a building is foolish or functions?
Architecture magazines and websites are full of amazing pictures of buildings making you ready to move in straight away. Next to it you can often find a short text on the motivation and inspiration of the architect which further increases the appeal of the building. But before packing your stuff you better take a look yourself. Anyone who has tried to photograph a building, or worse an interior, will find that architectural photography is a true art. At least my pictures never seem to come close to those I see in the magazines, and I got a lot better at photoshop recently.
With serious doubts about the realism of architecture pictures, it seems that visiting is a better way of experiencing architecture and finding out how it lives in the real world. Without perfect positioning, lighting and the motivation of the architect to frame your perception, the building has to stand up to its users and surroundings. Spending some time in Copenhagen I visited several new buildings with the theme of this blog in mind: where does it come from and where does it go?
