Dr. Jenkins Presents Roger Scruton: The Problem of Architecture

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores Roger Scruton's view on architecture, emphasizing its blend of art and craft. Scruton argues that architecture is more than just an expressive medium like sculpture; its beauty is tied to its functionality and purpose. He highlights the importance of considering architecture's role in its environment, its technical nature, and the evolving influence of human competence rather than artistic trends. Unlike other art forms, architecture imposes itself on the public, shaping spaces rather than audiences. Ultimately, Scruton sees architecture as a practical, functional art rooted in common wisdom.

Takeaways

• 😀 Roger Scruton is an English philosopher, writer, and composer born in 1944, with over 30 books authored.
• 😀 Scruton believes that architecture is both a craft and an art, rejecting the strict distinction between the two that Colingwood proposed.
• 😀 For Scruton, architecture is a synthesis of art and craft, not just a mixture of the two.
• 😀 Unlike Colingwood’s view, expression is not the primary aim of architecture, and it should not be treated like sculpture.
• 😀 The value of a building cannot be understood without considering its utility and function, unlike the pure aesthetic of sculpture.
• 😀 Beauty in architecture depends on understanding what kind of object it is, not just its aesthetic form.
• 😀 Functionalism in architecture emphasizes that a building’s form should follow its intended function.
• 😀 Architecture has a localized quality, where buildings should be designed with respect to their environment and sense of place.
• 😀 Scruton warns against the idea of transferring buildings from one place to another without considering the specific context of their environment.
• 😀 The possibilities in architecture are determined by human competence and engineering skill, rather than solely by artistic trends or consciousness.
• 😀 Architecture is a public object and imposes itself on people, whereas poetry and music create self-conscious audiences through their evolution.
• 😀 Architecture is not typically a form of high art; rather, it is a practical process of arrangement, closely related to common human activities.

Q & A

Who is Roger Scruton and what is his contribution to architecture?

Roger Scruton was a conservative English philosopher, writer, and composer, born in 1944. He authored over 30 books, and his views on architecture emphasize that it is both a craft and an art, challenging the traditional distinction between the two.

What is Scruton's stance on the relationship between art and craft in architecture?

Scruton argues that architecture is a synthesis of both art and craft, not just a mixture. He rejects the distinction made by philosophers like Collingwood, who considered expression the primary aim of art.

How does Scruton differentiate architecture from sculpture in terms of expression?

Scruton believes that the value of a building cannot be understood separately from its utility. While sculpture may be considered purely expressive, architecture’s aesthetic value is intrinsically tied to its function.

What does Scruton mean by the 'sculptural view' of architecture?

The 'sculptural view' treats buildings as aesthetic forms whose beauty is judged independently of their function. Scruton criticizes this view, arguing that beauty is always linked to the intended function of an object.

How does Scruton explain the concept of functionalism in architecture?

Scruton sees functionalism as an effort to reaffirm architectural values that prioritize utility over form. It emphasizes that form should follow function, aligning architectural design with practical needs.

Why is architecture considered a highly localized craft?

Architecture is localized because buildings are deeply connected to their specific environments. Scruton argues that buildings should be designed to fit their place, and translating architectural designs across different environments can result in absurd or disastrous outcomes.

What role does human competence play in architecture, according to Scruton?

Human competence determines what is possible in architecture. Scruton suggests that architectural advancements stem from engineering skill, rather than from shifts in artistic consciousness, as seen in other art forms like music or painting.

How does the evolution of art differ from the evolution of architecture?

In art forms like music, literature, and painting, changes often reflect shifts in artistic attitude. In contrast, changes in architecture are driven by advancements in engineering skills, independent of artistic trends.

What makes architecture different from poetry and music in terms of audience creation?

Poetry and music have become self-consciously modern by cultivating specific audiences, while architecture imposes itself on the public. Architects can influence public taste, but only by appealing to the general public.

What is Scruton’s view on the purpose of architecture?

Scruton believes that architecture is primarily about arrangement and practical function. It does not aim to convey meanings or present itself as high art, but rather extends human activities into the realm of common wisdom and practicality.