The hidden meaning of architecture | Gëzim Paçarrizi | TEDxTBU

Key Concepts

• Symmetry in Greek temples
• The importance of void/emptiness in architecture
• Void vs. Plane (materiality)
• Void and Meaning as the foundation of architecture
• Program definition
• Composition and Unity
• Articulation as a process of understanding what the building wants to be
• Rationality vs. Intuition in design
• Beauty as harmony and manifestation of love

1. Symmetry and the Even Number of Columns

• The speaker's daughter asked why Greek temples typically have an even number of columns.
• An even number of columns allows for a central space, creating symmetry with an entrance in the middle.
• Symmetry involves disposing the same elements on the right and left sides of a central point.
• In older civilizations, the center is often an emptiness or void.

2. Exception: Basilica in Paestum

• The Basilica in Paestum is presented as an exception to the even-column rule.
• It has nine columns and two entrances.
• The arrangement is three columns, an entrance, three columns, an entrance, and three columns.
• Exceptions often reveal deeper truths about architectural principles.

3. The Significance of Void

• A column is considered a plane, and the space between columns is a void.
• An even number of planes results in an odd number of voids, with a void in the middle.
• The void is the space or emptiness that defines the inside and outside of a building.
• The void is crucial in all older cultures.

4. Void vs. Plane: The Bottle Analogy

• A building is compared to a bottle being filled with water.
• The water represents the void, space, or emptiness.
• The bottle itself represents the plane, the materiality of architecture (walls, bricks, stone, concrete).
• Architecture encompasses both the bottle (plane) and the water (void).
• The void is emphasized as the element that truly matters.

5. Void as the Center of Architecture

• The void or emptiness is the center of any architectural design.
• Architecture is a work of art with an inside that people can inhabit.
• The inside can sometimes be an outside space, but it remains architecture.
• The void is always central, regardless of the specific situation.

6. Void and Meaning: Inseparable Concepts

• When starting a building design, one should begin with an idea related to the void.
• Every building should have a meaning.
• Void and meaning are presented as inseparable concepts, two sides of the same coin.
• The void is fundamental, while meaning is more social.
• The idea of a void leads to the creation of meaning.

7. The Architectural Process: From Void to Articulation

• Architecture begins with the idea of space, which is the meaning of the future building.
• The next step is to define and decide on a program, which involves practical considerations like rooms and spaces.
• These elements are then composed into a project that aims to achieve unity.
• Articulation is the final process, involving understanding what the building wants to become.

8. Articulation: Understanding the Building's Intent

• The most common mistake in architecture is trying to force a precise design at all costs.
• Articulation is a way to understand the building's inherent potential.
• The designer should follow the path until a sense of unity is achieved.
• Architecture is both rational and intuitive.
• Rationality helps conceive parts, while intuition helps feel the unity.

9. Beauty in Architecture: Harmony and Love

• Architecture can be many things, but only architecture can evoke the feeling of space.
• Beauty in architecture is the feeling of harmony.
• Harmony is achieved when all composing elements have equal relations to one another.
• Beauty is the manifestation of love.
• Without love, architecture becomes meaningless construction that harms the environment.

10. Conclusion

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of the void as the central element in architecture.
• The void is inseparable from meaning, and both are essential starting points for design.
• The architectural process involves defining a program, composing elements, and articulating the building's intent.
• Beauty in architecture is achieved through harmony and love, creating a meaningful and positive impact on the environment.