Praise Architecture discussion

In this essay Corbusier asks us to look at the design of machines to re-evaluate how we design architecture. He describes the liners, airplanes and automobiles of his time as ‘works of art,’ as being true solutions to a problem and not created from a preconceived vision. Corbusier looks to these designs as being the first stage to realising the world in a ‘new spirit’ while criticising architecture for always being in reference to the past.

Corbusier talks about architecture as a set of standards and also states that there is a problem with the design and decoration of homes. He sets out ‘The Manual of The Dwelling’ which most of which I do not think applies to modern day, but his critique of his modern man being ‘bored to tears in his home’ is something that parallels to today during the Covid-19 pandemic. He says that people long to go elsewhere outside of their home which is what people are/were longing to do in lockdown. I know architects and urban designers are now thinking about how homes and cities should be designed post-pandemic so I wondered how a modern Manual of The Dwelling would look, if at all possible. Although there are standards for building in architecture, I’m not fully convinced that there can be standards to dwelling as it is generally more down to personal preference.

- Praise Architecture