my opinion

design philosophy

What is architecture?_ Everyone will give a different answer to this question and between al these opinions I want to give mine as well. Not in the first place to enrich the world with another variation, or to convince others of my ultimate truth. It is my perception, interpretation and style, but it is important because it is the source out of which my designs are created and helps understanding them.
Architecture consists of four basic elements; situation, program, material and geometry [like the definition of Vitruvius; architecture is Utilitas, Firmitas and Venustas, only i added the unique situation in which the design is standing]. Situation is in my opinion not just the location but also the time and the zeitgeist in which a design is made.

Style_ A style within architecture can be seen as the visualization of a certain kind thinking within its period [zeitgeist], it is based on a way of living. The way we live is always expressed in the kind of relation we have, this can be a relation to other people, to God [supernatural] and to things [including animals]. The relationships [social connections] we have with other people can vary from very intimate to business or shallow. The relation with God [religion] is different from this because it is supernatural regardless of physical appearance and [in our culture] this relation is very individually determined. The relation towards things is much more public and dominated by knowledge. In my opinion these three areas; social, religion, and knowledge influence our way of living. The way we live is based on the kind of relation we have towards these three areas expresses our [sub]culture and the style is the visualization of this way of living.

Architecture_ The visualization, the style of a certain architecture is expressed in technique, program and geometry within a certain situation. Technique determines the presentation of a material on all scales. E.g. the texture, the dimensions and the subdivisions depend on the technique, the way the material has been moulded or formed. Technique is mainly influenced by efficiency and economy. It can only survive when it's up to date, parallel to its' situation and orientated to the future but still supported by traditionalism. The nature of technique is money. The organization of program determines the way a building will be used, the kind of relations people will be able to have. So it is determining culture but it is also determined by culture. This makes it a tricky area; vague and complex. Some organizations could be indifferent to styles and being the most logical for a human being. It can come forth from history but can also be very up to date or even revolutionary new and fresh when it is connected to new ways of living or new styles. Therefore the nature of program is culture. When mankind designs geometry it is always influenced by his environment, his teachers, colleagues, friends, family, culture, etc. In a certain way everything ever produced is submitted to its culture, this also counts for material and organization. Form however is subjective to culture in a deeper level. Technique [materials] can be approached more objectively due to its nature [money]. The nature of form is creativity, this is the reason of the difference.
Mankind is incapable of valuing form because of the nature of form. Creativity is always a part of its culture therefore the design is always a product of its time. In my opinion architecture is these three elements [technique, program and geometry] bound together within one typical situation [environment, time, urban and social structures]. So this introduces the fourth element; the situation, the context in which the design is made. When all these element are balanced out, when they enforce each other the architecture created can be called good.

systems_The grid symbolizes a created organization or system. By disturbing this system one becomes more aware of both the disruption and the system. This is in fact architecture, in which existing spatial, social, urban, economic and politic systems are visualized, organized and disrupted.