The essence of architecture is in its two components: the physical structure which obeys clear, objective rules and the aesthetics, which leads us to feel subjective emotions when observing a form. Architecture is created by a right combination of these two, and it is this combination specifically which differentiates architecture from other arts.
In Aesthetics and Technology in building, Pier Luigi Nevri analyses architectural designs throughout history, in terms of building technology and aesthetics, and tries to define this relation. Nevri investigates as a builder, who evaluates building technologies and techniques of construction and as a non-technician, who analyses the artistic expression of a building, as a work of art.
Nevri starts his discussion with what he considers the four conditions of building correctly, the stability, durability, functionality and economic efficiency. These conditions seem purely objective, and even though they are primarily related to construction, they are connected to the aesthetics as well. They can influence the way we feel and perceive architecture.
Nevri argues that we can comprehend the relation of building technology and aesthetics from the past to the present. He illustrates with examples of the Greek and Egyptian building and The Roman bath schemes. However this relation is ideally complete in the Gothic era. In the Gothic cathedral, are considered masterpieces, where this fusion is so compound that you cannot differentiate between the two.
With advancements in technology, changes in architectural construction methods and demands, our modern architecture is entirely different from what it used to be. Despite of this, the relation between aesthetics and building remains, and probably will in the future. We can perceive this in modern architecture, with examples being the Hall of Machine, the Eiffel Tower, and the bridges of Tryere, Paderno d'Adda and Firth of Forth.
Nevri concludes with a final definition of this relation. An objective problem, calls for technology and statistics, which are utilised by the architect in a way that meets all conditions of construction, artistically and elegantly.
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