Beskrivelse
Oddness and NearnessAbstract
In the one hand, encountering the built works of the Danish architect Hans Christian
Hansen (HCH, 1901-1978) invoked detachment and originality. In the other hand, it
incited recognition and affinity. Although HCH´s works are rather unique within its
Danish contemporary context. However, they show similarities with some architecture
works connected to a local Spanish interpretation of Realism represented by Grup R
(1950-1960).
Both groups of works -HCH´s and Grup R´s- are located in the cities of Copenhagen and Barcelona respectively and built between the early 40´s and early 70´s. Such buildings, and specially the unique tectonic character of their facades, often stand out from their immediate contexts. However, by deliberately escaping from a usual replication of the peripheries, their distinct expression succeeds in tuning into the setting. By experimenting with different materials than the surrounding buildings and through including vernacular and industrialized elements in an abstract and systematic mode, their orderly expressions settle as backdrops to the existing scene. In addition, from a closer position, we appreciate that their radical appearances are materialized through the repetition of very subtle, though rough joining details. This fact procures tactility, accessibility and therefore humanness to the works from an urban tectonic perspective.
Oddness will be discussed through the lenses of two photographers, Keld Helmer-
Petersen (KHP, 1920-2013) and Francesc Català-Roca (FCR, 1922-1998) who respectively had an interest in documenting such works as part of the everyday life of
their native cities. Their photos emphasize the revolutionary character of these buildings within its contemporary context: sometimes authentic dense surroundings, others still deserted territories. Whereas Nearness will be approached through my own perspective. By getting physically closer to the built works one gets exposed to minor features related to materials, details, textures, cracks and patinas that provide another understanding and contextualization of the works from today´s position. In this case, photography is also seen as the appropriate medium to document the works while being on-site.
The purpose of this paper is 1) to situate the tectonic characteristics of HCH´s works
within a comparable architecture milieu that belong to a distinct culture, though from a similar period 2) and to test an inductive and experience based methodology that utilizes architecture/ design tools as photography to depict a series of built works.
| Periode | 21 apr. 2022 → 23 apr. 2022 |
|---|---|
| Begivenhedstype | Konference |
| Placering | Aarhus, DanmarkVis på kort |
| Grad af anerkendelse | International |