"Tech me about Architecture 101" is the brainchild of Professor Archibald Stone, a maverick architect and educator known for his quirky teaching methods and his passion for demystifying architecture for the masses. It's a whimsical yet insightful journey into the world of architecture, blending history, theory, and practical knowledge with a dash of humor.
The Origins
The course was first introduced in 2010 at Whimsy University, a fictional yet legendary institution known for its unconventional approach to education. Professor Stone, inspired by the need to make architecture accessible, began with a series of lectures that combined storytelling with architectural principles.
Key Concepts and Themes
Whimsical Structures
One of the most popular segments of the course is "Whimsical Structures," where students explore the most fantastical buildings around the world. Think of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, designed by Frank Gehry, or the Lotus Temple in Delhi, India, by Fariborz Sahba.
Architectural Oddities
Professor Stone has a penchant for the bizarre. The course covers architectural oddities like the Crooked House in Poland, designed by Szotyńscy & Zaleski, and the Upside Down House in Szymbark, Poland.
Historical Trivia
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower was initially criticized by many of Paris's leading artists and intellectuals? Or that the Leaning Tower of Pisa has been "leaning" since before it was even completed?
Hidden Gems in Architecture
Sustainable Designs
One of the less discussed but highly intriguing parts of the course is the focus on sustainable architecture. The course highlights the Bullitt Center in Seattle, often dubbed the “greenest commercial building in the world.” It's designed by Miller Hull Partnership.
Forgotten Architects
Ever heard of Lina Bo Bardi? She was an Italian-Brazilian modernist architect whose work is now seeing a resurgence in interest. Her design of the São Paulo Museum of Art is a marvel.
Architectural Techniques and Styles
Gothic Architecture
The course dives deep into Gothic architecture, with a focus on structures like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Cologne Cathedral. It explores the use of flying buttresses, pointed arches, and ribbed vaults.
Modernism
Modernism is another cornerstone of the course, featuring luminaries like Le Corbusier and his Villa Savoye, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe with his famous aphorism "less is more."
Fun Facts
- The Empire State Building was constructed in just 410 days!
- The Sydney Opera House was originally estimated to cost $7 million but ended up costing $102 million.
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is so tall that the temperature is significantly cooler at the top than at the base.
Interactive Components
Virtual Reality Tours
To make learning more engaging, the course includes virtual reality tours of iconic buildings. Students can virtually walk through the Pantheon in Rome or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Design Challenges
Students participate in weekly design challenges, like creating a model of a sustainable house or reimagining a piece of classical architecture with modern materials.
Notable Alumni
Many students who took "Tech me about Architecture 101" have gone on to do incredible things. One such alumnus is Jane Doe, who designed the award-winning Eco-Hub, a sustainable community center in Portland.
Resources and Recommended Reading
Books
- "Towards a New Architecture" by Le Corbusier
- "Learning from Las Vegas" by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown
- "The Architecture of Happiness" by Alain de Botton
Websites
Impact and Legacy
"Tech me about Architecture 101" has inspired countless students to appreciate the built environment around them. Professor Stone's unique approach has made architectural education accessible, fun, and deeply engaging.
So, whether you’re an aspiring architect or just a curious mind, this course promises a delightful dive into the world of architecture with plenty of laughs along the way.