Transcript Less Is More? * Exploring Design Principles of

IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
•
David Wong
Regina Peldszus, PhD
•
Starlight Architecture, United Kingdom
ESA-ESOC , Germany
Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Introduction:
 A theoretical exercise to explore the relationship
between the space and earth bound disciplines.
 Highlight some of the architectural values of Modern
Architecture in the context of Space Architecture
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Scope and Intention: what this paper is not about:
 A comprehensive analysis
 Creating a “reference design”
 Suggesting Modern Architecture to be the only architectural movement
that is relevant to Space Architecture
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
What is Modern Architecture:
“Modern architecture is generally characterized by simplification of form and
an absence of applied decoration. It is a term applied to an overarching
movement, with its exact definition and scope varying widely.”
- Wikipedia
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Characteristics:
 “Form follows function”
 Simplicity and clarity of forms, elimination of "unnecessary detail“
 Structure architecturally expressed
 Preference to use materials that are industrially produced and
technologically innovative
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Mies van der Rohe (1886 – 1969):
• Widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters
of Modern Architecture
 His “skin and bones” architecture were much
aspired to by large institutes and corporations at
the time in America and Europe.
Mies van der Rohe, source: Wikipedia
 prominent works included: the Barcelona Pavilion
(1929), Crown Hall of the Illinois Institute of
Technology, Chicago (1956), and the Seagram
Building, New York (1958)
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
top: Barcelona Pavilion
middle: Crown Hall
bottom: Seagram Building
source: Wikimedia Commons
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Mies van der Rohe: Design Principles
 Structural Clarity
 Material & Technologies
 Contexts
 “Will of the Epoch”
Neue National
Nationalgalerie
One
Farnsworth
The
Charles
Crown
Center
House
Hall
source:ofmazzarello.com
source: University
Chicago Press
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Richard Neutra (1870 – 1970):
 Considered to be among the most important
modernist architects.
 Widely regarded as a pioneer of environmental
design and regionalist architecture, and for the
technological innovations in his works.
Richard Neutra, source: Wikipedia
 Prominent works included: Lovell Heath House, Los
Angeles, California (1929) ,Kaufmann Desert
House, Palm Springs, California (1946)
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
top: Novell Heath House
bottom: Kaufmann Desert House
source: Wikiarquitectura
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Richard Neutra: Design Principles
 Integration of the Site
 Human-Centred, Participatory & Evidence-based Design
 Systems Approach
Lovell House isometric drawing
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Discussion: Implications to Space Architecture
 Structural Clarity
 Natural Context and Vernacular
 Space Architecture as Extension of Modern Architecture?
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
Conclusion
 Design principles of Modern Architecture could serve well to
Space Architecture in its bid to achieve better human integration.
 Design approaches of Modern Architecture alone does not
provide all the answers.
 The continuous evolution of Modern Architecture within the
professional world of contemporary architecture may provide
some further insights
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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Less Is More?
Exploring Design Principles of Modern Architecture
in the Context of Space Habitation
IAC-13-E5.1.1x17645
Introduction | Modern Architecture | Mies van der Rohe | Richard Neutra | Discussion | Conclusion
T h a n k Yo u & Q u e s t i o n s ?
The 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China. - David Wong, Regina Peldszus
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