HARTAIXX2016-V010100

Summary

In this insightful discussion, K. Michael Hays explores the philosophy of Aldo Rossi's view on architecture. Rossi perceives architecture as a materialization of Spirit, reflecting the human community's desire to organize and represent itself. He suggests that architecture transcends history to become a universal 'geography' and, paradoxically, also embodies the destructive force of art that goes beyond nature. Hays highlights Rossi's belief that architecture, being both personal and collective, is the most important of arts and sciences, as it represents the cycle of human life and what remains of humanity, lingering beyond its time.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The concept of 'autonomy of architecture' by Rossi suggests that architecture is not merely an aesthetic or technical solution but a historical one, embodying the human community's desire to organize and represent itself.
• 🌟 Rossi views architecture as the materialization of Spirit, a manifestation of collective human wishes and desires, which makes it a significant art and science.
• 🗺️ Architecture, according to Rossi, transcends its historical context to become a part of geography, suggesting a universal aspect beyond time.
• 💡 The idea that light creates shadows and consumes matter to provide a more authentic image than nature itself indicates a belief in art's power to surpass the natural world.
• 🎨 Rossi's notion of art having a destructive force that allows it to move beyond and supersede nature is a key philosophical point in his view of architecture.
• 👥 Architecture is considered the most important of arts and sciences because it is both personal and collective, reflecting the human cycle and what remains of humanity.
• 🏙️ The ambiguity of 'what remains of man' in architecture could refer to both the physical remains in cemeteries and the enduring patterns of human existence and values.
• 🕊️ Rossi's late-career drawing, 'Dieses ist lange her, Ora questo, è perduto,' conveys the idea of architecture lingering beyond its time, continuing even after its relevance may have faded.
• 🔍 The enduring nature of architecture is highlighted by Rossi, suggesting it does not end but exists and unfolds in time, embodying the history within its core.
• 🏗️ Rossi's project emphasizes that architecture's significance lies in its temporal existence and its role as a repository of history, rather than in its potential end or conclusion.

Q & A

What does Rossi refer to by 'the autonomy of architecture'?

Rossi's 'autonomy of architecture' refers to architecture existing independently, embodying aesthetic and technical solutions to historical problems, rather than purely aesthetic or technological issues.

How does Rossi define architecture in relation to 'Spirit'?

Rossi sees architecture as the material manifestation of 'Spirit', representing the human community's desire to organize and represent itself.

What does Rossi mean when he says 'The monument, having overcome its relation to history, becomes geography'?

Rossi suggests that architecture, while rooted in history, transcends it to represent something more universal, akin to geography, which is beyond the temporal and more enduring.

How does Rossi view the role of light in architecture?

For Rossi, light is dualistic; it creates shadows, adding depth and dimension to architecture, but also has a destructive force that consumes matter, suggesting a transcendence beyond the natural.

Why does Rossi consider architecture to be more important than other arts and sciences?

Rossi believes architecture is paramount because it is both personal and collective, and its cycle is natural, mirroring the human life cycle, yet it remains as a testament to human existence.

What is the ambiguity in Rossi's statement 'This is what remains of man'?

The ambiguity lies in the dual interpretation of 'remains' as both the physical remnants of human beings, such as in a cemetery, and the enduring patterns of human existence that architecture represents.

What does the drawing 'Dieses ist lange her, Ora questo, è perduto' signify in the context of Rossi's work?

The drawing symbolizes architecture's persistence beyond its intended lifespan, lingering in time even after its original purpose or representational power has faded.

How does Rossi's concept of architecture relate to the idea of a 'cemetery'?

Rossi connects architecture to the cemetery as a place where human remains are laid to rest, but also as a diagram of human life, activities, values, and an enduring testament to human existence.

What does Rossi imply by saying architecture 'has installed the kernel of history in its very core'?

Rossi implies that architecture is intrinsically linked to history, not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of its essence, giving it a timeless and enduring quality.

What is the significance of architecture 'unfolding in time' according to Rossi?

The significance is that architecture does not have a fixed end; it evolves and endures through time, reflecting the ongoing narrative of human history and experience.

How does Rossi's perspective on architecture challenge traditional views of art and nature?

Rossi challenges traditional views by suggesting that architecture, as an art form, can be more authentic than nature itself and possesses a transformative power that can supersede the natural world.