Reading Response 13: Sculpted Modernism

Reading Response 13: Sculpted Modernism

Sculpted Modernism was a architectural movement associated with Late Modernism. The past forms of modernism associated with bland, vertical, machine like buildings composed of a steel frame and glass- sheathed were replaced by uniquely sculpted forms ( Roth, p. 572).The main goal of sculpted modernism was to create an architectural form that effectively communicated to the user ( Roth, p. 572).

Roofless Church, New Harmony, Indiana

•  Curved shingled roof in a rose shape- a symbolic reference to the church
• Delicate form- contrasted early modernism
• Curves indicate movement

Pennzoil Place, Houston, Texas

• Two Vertical structures- Early modernism comprised of a single form
• Roof Tops sliced at vertical angle- Early modern building had a flat roof
• Black Glass covers otter shell

The Grand Louvre, Paris France

•  Transparent
• Pyramid Shaped
•  Space frame truss 
• Dark during the day and glows at night!
• I believe the shape in meant to resemble a gem as a symbol of what is underneath.

 Today it is very common to see a sculptured form or sculptured entrance outside of a commercial buildings. I believe that sculptured modernism has had a lasting impression on today's design


Resources:

•  http://www.free-photos.biz/images/architecture/architectural_elements/roofless_church_by_philip_johnson_in_new_harmony__indiana__united_states.jpg
• http://www.hines.com/toolkit_images/Project%20Photos/Pennzoil%20Place/%20Pennzoil%20Place%20Signature_lres_web.jpg
• http://www.smithinet.com/Louvre/images/pyramid2.jpg
• Roth, Leland M., Understanding Architecture, 2nd ed., 2007.