Architecture Intern looking for inspiration

[angelic_seraph]

Hello Everyone,

I am looking to find examples of sculpture that can provide inspiration for architectural projects. In terms of architects whose work has a sculptural feel, I can name a few. Gehry, Calatrava, Tsui, Prince et. al.

However, I am interested in developing my own style and I was wondering if a sculpture course might be recommended to help "loosen me up a bit" design-wise? I want some exercise that will enable me to explore a full range of forms with the eventual intention that they will be scaled up in size and intended for human occupancy and have a functional building program within them.

All suggestions would be appreciated.

From your friendly guardian angel

[anne (bxl)]

Hi Angel....

Having a sculpture class for an architect is such a great idea! Sculpture could be in some way research study for up scale realisation. So worked Gaudi to create his arch architecture.

XX century architecture as been greatly influenced by major sculptors that explore the space and internal structure like cubism (Lipchitz, Laurens, Archipenko, Duchamp-Villon), constructivism (Tatline, Pevner, Naum Gabo, Van Tongerloo), futurismo (Boccioni, Balla, Depero),

More recently most metal sculptors are somehow architects. Think of Anthony Caro, David Smith, Calder, Chillida and so many others.

enjoy your exploration!

[JAZ]

Hello Everyone,

I am looking to find examples of sculpture that can provide inspiration for architectural projects. In terms of architects whose work has a sculptural feel, I can name a few. Gehry, Calatrava, Tsui, Prince et. al.

However, I am interested in developing my own style and I was wondering if a sculpture course might be recommended to help "loosen me up a bit" design-wise? I want some exercise that will enable me to explore a full range of forms with the eventual intention that they will be scaled up in size and intended for human occupancy and have a functional building program within them.

All suggestions would be appreciated.

From your friendly guardian angel

Angel,
Have you seen the book about the origins of Gehry's Guggenheim, Bilbao? It's at my studio, so I can't give you the exact data but I think it's written Coosie Van Bruggen maybe, though I'm not sure? It's got a bunch of the architect's preliminary sketches, which are almost unrecognizable as anything tangible at all, much less a building. That book might be interesting for you. Have you seen the building itself? It's the biggest sculpture I've ever experienced and you can go inside! It is the most unbelievable experience for a building, (and the titanium skin is a stroke of genius) and I think that's what you're driving at - that you want to create things like that. I'd say, go to every contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibit you can get to. And a sculpture course woudl be good, particularly if it's the right one. I went to the Museum School in Boston and their philosophy would be in line with what you want. I should have checked where you are writing from before I started this post - I'm a neophyte with this forum stuff. But, really any good school that leans toward contemporary sculpture.

[jsimms]

I would suggest getting a 3d design program like rhino 3d, http://www.rhino3d.com,and get comfortable with the tools for developing 3d forms. You can start with somthing as simple as a square tube, and start warping or twisting it into various forms. You can then copy the form and join several at various angles in 3d. You can trim and add surfaces and generally let your imagination go wild.

Rhino is available as a free trial download, good for something like 20 saves. Compared to autocad, rhino is way easier to grasp and much more intuitive. At $895, its also a lot cheaper! If you're a student, its only $195. Possibly the best investment you could get to whet your imagination.

Also get books on contemporary sculptors! Catch the buzz!

good luck,
j

[angelic_seraph]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Rhino 3D huh? Good idea. Also, thanks for the names of those sculptors. I think I'll look them up.

I tried looking for books on Sculpture at the local bookstore but they were very scarce. I will go to the Art Gallery tomorrow and see if they have any in the gift shop. There is a display on Frank Gehry's work there.

Or maybe a library would be cheaper . . . hmmm. I'm going to be starting an architectural design competition (for mass housing) with some friends. I want to incorporate some sustainable building design concepts. I'd also like it to look organic and sculptural. I'll probably be drawing it in 3D using AutoCAD and then exporting it to 3D Studio. However, I might consider that Rhino program. Sketching out some ideas though is a necessary 1st step.

Angelic Seraph