Comments on: Selected projects by Álvaro Siza photographed by Duccio Malagamba

By: Ricardo

Ricardo — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:49:58 +0000

I would say that Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture by Venturi has a lot to do with the complexities and contradictions on Siza’s work. It’s true that he uses the complete modern architectural repertoire of the beginning of the 20th century but he uses these in a very provocative way, distorting its orthodox rules of transparency of form following function of structural integrity (etc, etc).

The unexpected location of a structural column that contradicts our perception, the complex articulation of volumes that generate simultaneous readings of the overall mass, the up-sized scale of a 6m tall entrance door that triggers our notion of space … all of this is wisely played in Siza’s buildings to trick the eye, to create a complex chain of emotions… pretty much like the logic that drives certain baroque pieces of architecture. And in my opinion this is exactly what Venturi was talking about, not necessarily ornament.

By: Jamiego

Jamiego — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 14:43:16 +0000

I think Loos’ polemical writings rather than his architecture had a greater impact on the development of rationalism. I never described Secessionist style as architecture did I? I don’t really think it matters if Siza agrees with me about Loos (who you brought into the argument, and I am criticizing his architectural work, not his underlying philosophy). I was trying to illustrate that appreciating Siza’s formal restraint is not at odds with appreciating well-crafted, extravagant detailing in other places and that you do not need to invoke Venturi as some talisman that says “get over modernism” – modernism is more complicated and subtle than a Loos soundbite. Art Nouveau was also a modernist movement.

As for “suggesting the reading of a great book that can broaden your knowledge” – the original suggestion was made after saying I was stuck in 1908, so it seems reasonable to read derision into your post.

By: CJ O'Neill

CJ O'Neill — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:47:31 +0000

What an beautiful church, and the ability to capture the serenity and peace which must be experienced within the building is amazing.

By: mark muscat

mark muscat — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:32:25 +0000

siza is a legend, just goes beyond almost all architects with his close to perfect massing

By: windbag

windbag — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:24:07 +0000

Jamiego, Sezession was all about “decorative, non-functional elements”, so you shouldn’t consider it good Architecture, according to your statement.
And the “little architecture” of Adol Loos is at the very roots of rationalism, so, of course, of Alvaro Siza’s poetic.
I don’t think he would agree with you on the judgement on the austrian architect. As a matter of fact he is an admirer of Loos and Hoffmann, and this is quite evident looking at his buildings.
About being condescending, I was only suggesting the reading of a great book that can broaden your knowledge, you don’t need to be upset.
Personally I’m always happy if someone points me to something I don’t know, I consider it an occasion to expand my vision of things.

By: hugo

hugo — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:21:31 +0000

well, i’m proud to be portuguese
brilliant architecture, hard to find nowadays!

By: Jamiego

Jamiego — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:56:08 +0000

As for comparing me to Loos – the little architecture he produced was rubbish, and the Secessionist style he criticised was exquisite. So I don’t see many parallels there.

By: Jamiego

Jamiego — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:53:54 +0000

Windbag, you are unnecessarily condescending.

Your rejection of modernism and embrace of a very crass take on post-modernism seems to be iconoclastic for the sake of it, and is frankly boring. Unlike Siza’s architecture, which is both considered and delightful.

By: windbag

windbag — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:45:22 +0000

Jamiego, sorry but it seems like you’re stuck in 1908 with Adolf Loos and his Ornament and Crime.
I suggest you update your vision by reading “Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture” by Robert Venturi, a book that changed everything about Architecture after its publication and, well, will surely answer your 2 questions above.

By: Jamiego

Jamiego — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:20 +0000

Well, is a decorative, non-functional element ever good architecture? What’s the point of being excessive just for the sake of it?