Natural Order.

 

The orderly system comprising the physical universe and functioning according to natural as distinguished from human or supernatural laws.​

In philosophy, the natural order is the moral source from which natural law seeks to derive its authority. Natural order encompasses the natural relations of beings to one another in the absence of law, which natural law attempts to reinforce. This is related to karma.

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Nature can be an important eco-conscious inspiration for architectural design. But instead of literally copying natural structures as architectural form, I appreciate its coherent logic (f.i. fractals, the 'golden ratio', ...) for architectural schemata and its amazing patterns as texture in architectural surfaces.

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Architecture without Architects.

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`Architecture Without Architects: A Short Introduction to Non-pedigreed Architecture` is a book based on the NYC MoMA exhibition of the same name by Bernard Rudofsky originally published in 1964. It provides a demonstration of the artistic, functional, and cultural richness of vernacular architecture.​ Rudofsky had long been interested in vernacular architecture. In 1931 he completed his dissertation on vernacular concrete architecture on the Greek Cyclades islands. He was convinced that modernism, especially modern architecture, got out of touch with the needs, and sensuality of mankind.

 

Since the beginnings of my practice I was inspired by the logical and earth-respecting nature of these sober settlements, executed with and from nature and natural surroundings, organically developed by hands through time.

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Land Art.

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Land art, variously known as Earth art, environmental art, and Earthworks, is an art movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. As a trend "Land art" expanded boundaries of art by the materials used and the siting of the works. The materials used were often the materials of the Earth including for instance the soil and rocks and vegetation and water found on-site, and the siting of the works were often distant from population centers. Concerns of the art movement centered around rejection of the commercialization of art-making and enthusiasm with an emergent ecological movement. The art movement coincided with the popularity of the rejection of urban living and its counterpart, an enthusiasm for that which is rural. Included in these inclinations were spiritual yearnings concerning the planet Earth as home to mankind.

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Ever thrilled by Stanley Kubricks '2001, A Space Odessey'. His images expose beautifully the confrontation of human intervention with nature.

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Spatial Art.

 

Rebecca Wainwright was Influenced by her architectural training. Her art is focused on exploring the relationship between natural and built/manufactured forms. Her work bridges fine art, sculpture and digital art and uses Welsh and English culture/literature as a source of inspiration.

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The art I'm atracted to focusses on the relationship between man, built space and nature. Artists, who are often trained as architects, seem to express anxiety for the disappearance of nature and natural resources or contemplate on the function of dwelling and home in regard to the human condition.

By drawing, painting, sculpting, installations and performances they critique the neo- and post-capitalist world we live in, often mirroring the neglect of the 'Other', the vulnerable.

 

Geometric Architecture.

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Architecture could be said to begin with geometry. Since earliest times, builders relied on imitating natural forms—like the circular Stonehenge in Britain—and then applied mathematical principles to standardize and replicate the forms.

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"Sacred geometry," or "spiritual geometry," is the belief that numbers and patterns such as the divine ratio have sacred significance. Many mystical and spiritual practices begin with a fundamental belief in sacred geometry. Architects and designers may draw upon concepts of sacred geometry when they choose particular geometric forms to create pleasing, soul-satisfying spaces.

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I'm strongly attracted by the amazing  expression of build architectural geometry with its straight lines and simple forms in the rough context of natural surroundings.

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Natural architecture.

 

As eco-consciousness takes centerstage in many parts of the world, architecture follows suit. A return to the most basic organic materials, simple forms of construction, and a deep connection to the land characterize the structures.

 

See also 'Natural Architecture Now', a book from Princeton Architectural Press, 2014.

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Specifically since I changed my main habitat from Belgium to Morocco, I became largely influenced by the ingenious solutions Marocans have developed with as little material as available. We call it 'Depanage Marocain', an amazing problem-solving thinking that never over-intervenes and carries an attitude of modesty towards nature and its resources. By this attitude intimacy somehow is created between the new-build and the immediate environment.

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Weathering Architecture.

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Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soil, and minerals as well as wood and artificial materials through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, water, and biological organisms, in time. Weathering occurs in situ, with little or no movement, and thus should not be confused with erosion, which involves movement.

 

Buildings made of any stone, brick or concrete are susceptible to the same weathering agents as any exposed rock surface. Also statues, monuments and ornamental stonework can be badly damaged by natural weathering processes.

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Although weathering is largely negatively interpreted as derogation, time should have its place after buildings are delivered. Also use and occupation by man and nature that takes over need to be accepted as tentative forces intervening with architecture. Only when the architect leaves, buildings come alive.

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