We've been working with Raum Plan and Plan Libre; concepts created and developed by Adolf Loos and Le Corbusier respectively. The Moller House and Villa Stein served as our prime examples of Loos and Le Corbusier's thinking. We had to reproduce the plans and elevations for each house then construct replica models. I drew for Moller House and built for Villa Stein.
At first I looked sourly at the plans of Villa Stein. Its curved partitions made me wish even more that I had never started the semester off with curves. After spending an entire night, however, laboriously cutting tiny pieces of vellum, Villa Stein grew on me. Building that replica magnified my appreciation for Le Corbusier's Plan Libre by an incredible amount. In addition to the drawings and model, we were assigned to read essays on Raum Plan and Plan Libre. These held a wealth of information and perspective but my understanding grew so much more by building the house. Of course the reading coupled with actually creating a mini Villa Stein was the effective mix but I think the modeling definitely contributed more.As much as I enjoy reading and gain from it, I think it is most valuable when what one has read reappears in something one does. When I modified my model the things I read in Raum Plan vs. Plan Libre made sense; the physicality of the model was proof to me of what I read. There was something tangible and convenient right in front of me, exemplifying the work and thought process of such an influential architect. It is a thrilling feeling when learned things make sense and become applicable rather than just stored knowledge.
The whole thing gets better too! This week, Stauffer requested that we use Raum Plan and Plan Libre to influence our market program. We'll see how that works out but I'm looking forward to the challenge.
...carolyn
Looking forward to something is so much better than dreading it!
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