Module 7: Video Review

For module 7, I will be reviewing the following videos:

Frank Lloyd Wright: Prairie Style  

Frank Gehry: Architecture is Art

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1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned. *In Frank Lloyd Wrights: Prairie Style video, I learned many key concepts. I learned that prairie style describes a series of horizontal planes throughout the homes. He put in a lot of open concepts throughout homes he designed such as an open living room area. He placed fire places in the center of the house which was not common; it freed up more space for windows. Lower ceilings focused on the horizontal style of the house. Wright took pride in calling his homes organic because they blended with nature. The base of the houses were planted in the ground so that it would seem like the house grew with nature. The rooms in the home flowed into one another instead of being sectioned off. He fluctuated high ceilings and low ceilings throughout his homes. Wright inspired many architects such as Dan White and Donald Fraser.

In Frank Gehrys: Architecture as Art video, I also learned a lot of concepts. I learned that Gehrys architectural processes were precise and and complex to create beautiful works of architecture. He did not follow conventional rules of architecture; he developed his own vocabulary to make buildings that interacted with humans emotional responses. He tried unconventional materials as well and used spatial dynamics that were different from typical architecture. For example, music artist Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey shot videos at Gehrys famous Guggenheim Museum in Spain which featured aesthetic emblems of the 20th century.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text? *The videos relate to the reading in the text in several ways. I noticed that Frank Lloyd Wright described his designs as being organic.This reminded me of green architecture because it is all related to nature and how architecture can interact with it's surrounding environment in a positive way. Gehrys video reminded me of the true meaning behind architectural art and broadened my understanding of aesthetics. Art is not just limited to painting or drawing (original fine arts; Gehry expressed his love for paintings) but crafting/designing buildings should include aesthetics as well.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture? *I enjoyed watching the films and I thought they were very insightful. The Wright video added to my prior knowledge of his work, but this time it made me think of it more as artistic than just a creative and historical way he made his homes and buildings. The Gehry video introduced me to him and his work and how he thought of himself as an artist and his architecture as art. He stressed the importance of sparking an emotional response to people viewing his architecture. This concept adds to the depth of understanding architecture and even includes aspects of philosophy. The crafting/designing process of buildings requires deep thought, innovative ideas, knowledge of construction, and a profound set of artistic skills.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched? * I chose to watch Frank Lloyd Wrights film because I already had background knowledge about him. I wrote a paper about his famous Darwin Martin house here in Buffalo, New York, the Larkin Soap Administrative building, and the summer house in Derby, New York. I admire his architectural style and if I could, I would have a prairie style home built for myself (except with high ceilings). I chose to watch the Frank Gehry film because prior to now I never heard of him and wanted to know more about him. I also was attracted to the title "Architecture as Art" because I think of buildings as being art. For example, a lot of the architecture here in Buffalo display many different forms of architecture. City Hall and the Frank E. Merriweather library designs are very impressive, unique, and beautiful.