Though at first thought, symbolism seems to apply to churches and places of importance; however, I have chosen to analyze a home in regards to symbolism. The N House is a set of three nesting boxes that have specifically located wholes. This house is in Japan’s southern island Kyushu and was designed by Sou Fujimoto. The concept for this space was focus on the idea of implication and symbolism, rather than harsh definition. Instead of sharply dividing private and public domains, the white shells contain a gradual transition to more intimate spaces. It was also important to balance the solid surfaces and large openings, making sure there was enough protection. The shell incorporates an exterior space which continues to ambiguously define the house and the street. The biggest shelter is an L shape and measures to 1,895 square feet. The middle box covers a donut-shape space with the entry foyer at the front and measures 635 square feet. The final box serves as living and dining area and measures to 195 square feet. What makes this space so unique are the 44 rectangles cut from its three shells. When considering the position of the openings, the sun as well as the sight of line guided their locations. When looking at this house, it is hard to focus and clearly define specific areas. Instead the architect stressed the importance of implication and symbolism. Rather than being told exactly how to function and interact with the space, there are the suggestions of special divisions, making the space a unique experience.
Within your own home, apartment or dorm, what are symbols that this house does not have? Do you feel that it would be difficult to function efficiently within this space? Other homes such as the Farnsworth house have pushed the ideas and symbolism of the typical household. Do you think this will trickle down and inspire the mass produced homes, or do you think most homes in America will continue to look like a suburban cookie-cutter?
Within your own home, apartment or dorm, what are symbols that this house does not have? Do you feel that it would be difficult to function efficiently within this space? Other homes such as the Farnsworth house have pushed the ideas and symbolism of the typical household. Do you think this will trickle down and inspire the mass produced homes, or do you think most homes in America will continue to look like a suburban cookie-cutter?
I think that culturally, Americans are not quite yet suited to function properly in a space such as this one. Our needs, beliefs, and activities are very much different from that of the Japanese. I think that if a design like this were to be created in America it would become not a model home, but a landmark of arhcitectural beauty. To us it just seems cool to look at, but way to sterile for us to actually live and function in. That is why it seems like homes in America will continue to look like suburban cookie cutter homes. We like our homes to be personal to us, warm, and welcoming. It just seems like a home like this would not be one that I could truly relax in, and I think that this connects directly to my cultural background.
ReplyDeleteThis does in fact present the viewer with symbolism but in a completely different way. Like Carrie said it's not something we're used to so the symbols in my room are completely different from the symbolism found in this home. I choose to specifically have flowers around my room to symbolize my love for nature and color. And I have pictures all around my room unlike this home which is so stark and lacks so much personality to symbolize who they are. I don't think it would be difficult to function within the space but I think I wouldnt function as normally as I would in a standard cookie cutter home. Due to this, this style won't move much further than a couple houses becuase people aren't as intellectual in thinking like this homeowner was and likes things more literal.
ReplyDeleteI believe that I could function perfectly within this space because who needs any symbolism to know where to sit down and eat. Also the dining area is still the central point within this house defined by walls just as in my own home. The only difference is the large openings and spacing between each designated area, which really I find quite appealing. The functions of the spaces are the same as the cookie cutter home, but were simply approached differently. I think the simplicity and architectural creativity of this home is actually more of a representation of its inhabitants, rather than decorating a room with things you're fond of.
ReplyDeleteMy apartment looks nothing like the N House however there are a few elements that can been seen in both. For instance my apartment has three large windows across the kitchen/living room, there are also windows in all of the four bedrooms. This relates to the many rectangular and square windows of the N House. They give off a sense of openness with the ability to close the blinds and have privacy. I do not know if i would feel comfortable in the space above simply because i would want to be able to close the curtains and dance around my living room for example without worrying if anyone is watching. I do not think it would be difficult to function in this space. It seems very welcoming and exciting. I would simply want to wander around the space and explore little niches and see what complex views i could see gazing out through the many openings. The typical household will not change in appearance for a while. Since the economy is so poor right now, not very many structures are being constructed. In order for this new style to trickle into mainstream American culture, it needs to see shown in many more architectural magazines and things of that sort. Eventually the look of typical American homes will change and develop into something completely different. I do not know if it will be representative of homes like this and the Farnsworth house but i can say they will have more of a symbolic meaning.
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