2008年09月7日
解構主義建築專文 (Architecture of Deconstructionism)
這是一篇我在英國所撰寫的關於解構主義建築的專文。裡面是我對解構主義建築的研究與探討，將來的時間譯成中文版與各位中文的讀者分享。當初想撰寫此專文的原因乃對於數位建築之興趣，之前所發表的《實驗性數位建築 Demonstrating Digital Architecture》作品或許是個動機，延續此意念而撰寫此篇專文，倘若內容未有詳盡之處，請多包含。
1. Introduction
1.1 History of Deconstructionism
1.2 The Jacques Derrida theory
1.3 Definition of Deconstructionism
2. Analysis of Mark Wigley, The domestication of the house: deconstruction after architecture
2.1 Contextual appraisal
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.2 The subject position of the author
2.1.3 The piece appearance the context
2.1.4 The expectation readership
2.1.5 Expertise with the subject matter
2.2 Analysis of author's method
2.2.1 Identify the sources used
2.2.2 The methodology of evidence
2.3 Analysis of theory
2.4 Analysis of argument
2.5 Critical assessment
3. Deconstructionism Architecture
3.1 Frank Owen Gehry, deconstructionist architect
3.1.1 Introduction
3.1.2 The method of architecture design
3.1.3 Conclusion
3.2 Zaha Hadid, deconstructionist architect
3.2.1 Introduction
3.2.2 The method of architecture design
3.2.3 Conclusion
4. The relevance of Deconstructionism to my major project: An examination of the design process for a range of jewellery for accessorizing consumer products
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Rethinking, refining and rebuilding
4.3 Application design method
5. Conclusions
6. References & Bibliography
1. Introduction
1.1 History of Deconstructionism
Deconstructionism as an approach to criticism comes from the work of Jacques Derrida during the period between the late 1960s and the early 1980s. Derrida was one of an important group at Yale University containing Geoffrey Hartman, Paul de Man and J. Hillis Miller. Deconstruction has important connections with much of Western philosophy and Derrida was very much influenced by the theory of phenomenology as set out by Edmund Husserl who was an early user of the term "Deconstruction". Structuralism and Post-Structuralism are also connected with deconstructionism because of their influence on its development. The theory of deconstructionism has been very widely applied in the field of art and design. Western philosophy has been connected with deconstructionism, because so many significant philosophers have been influenced by it.
1.2 The Jacques Derrida theory
Jacques Derrida was born in Algiers in 1930. He published three significant theories: Of Grammatology, Speech and Phenomena, and Writing and Difference. Derrida explains deconstructionism in two ways. Deconstructionism famously borrows from Martin Heidegger's conception of a "destructive retrieve" and in another way, deconstructionism generally reserved meanings that show, at least partly, the outer surface of the metaphysical tradition. Deconstructionism is also vague in logic. Derrida considers that deconstructionism connects many texts. This is the reason deconstructionism cannot be explained easily. For example, he said, "writing is not a sign of a sign, except if one says it of all signs, which would be more profoundly true." Derrida gives these negative concepts of deconstructionism to indirectly describe "what deconstruction is not, or rather ought not to be." He explains that deconstructionism is not a method, an analysis and a critique. He considers that deconstructionism cannot be understood by traditional philosophical logic, because it is a synthetic logic special to philosophy. Even though deconstructionism has no real method, analysis and critique, Derrida repeats "the necessity of returning to them, at least under erasure." It is meaning that something was destroyed and then something is built. Derrida has not always defined deconstructionism very clearly because he conserves the infinite possibility of deconstructionism. It is the possibility for everything, he thought.
1.3 Definition of Deconstructionism
Many definitions of deconstructionism are nearly Derrida's theory. Deconstructionism is difficult to understand, define formally and sum up. Deconstruction was first applied by Martin Heidegger. Many authors have opposed giving a brief definition of the expression. What is deconstructionism? "I have no simple and formalisable response to this question. All my essays are attempts to have it out with this formidable question." Derrida said. In that case, it is very dangerous that deconstructionism resembles nihilism. In many situations, some people cannot quite understand deconstructionism and so find it hard to explain. Paul Ricoeur considers that religious learning can inspire the people and, furthermore, he claims that "deconstruction as a way of uncovering the questions behind the answers of a text or tradition."
2. Analysis of The domestication of the house: deconstruction after architecture
2.1 Contextual appraisal
2.1.1 Introduction
It is a book that is a discussion about deconstruction and the visual arts. The book is edited by Peter Brunette and David Wills. The book's title is ‘Deconstruction and the visual arts: art, media, architecture', Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994. I select chapter 12 to analyze. The topic of chapter 12 is "The domestication of the house: deconstruction after architecture". The author is Mark Wigley. In this chapter, the purpose is a discussion about deconstruction and architecture. In modern times an active debate involving various disciplines has considered the question of architecture and deconstructionism. The author refers to some important concepts from Derrida and Heidegger, especially the term "spatial art".
2.1.2 The subject position of the author
The author, through discussion, aims to understand the relationship between architecture and the environment. He considers that Derrida and Heidegger's theories can help to find a new method. The method is defined on the new relationship of philosophy to spatial art. The author, Mark Wigley, through philosophy attempts to trace a more fundamental condition from the problems of living. He also discusses some basic questions. Those questions are extended to ask more questions about philosophy. He believes that some issues in specific architectural projects do not fit Derrida's theories.
2.1.3 The piece appearance the context
The meaning of inhabitancy is a central issue, but it must be destroyed when the discussion is beginning. The purpose is "the house itself". The issues are some kinds of signs linking philosophy and the object to be analysed. Deconstructionism has developed a connection with metaphysics. It can be explained that something is like the object. It is a specific kind of construction that really covers up the source construction it apparently exposes. Some issues also challenged the "limits". Those issues have been debated, but the principle is also to be challenged in order to find the new method.
2.1.4 The expectation readership
An architect also thinks about the relationship between people and living. Sometimes, it is a relation between society and environment. Le Corbusier, a famous twentieth century architect, discovered the Dom-ino system in the architecture structure. He figures that a building is a machine just for living. It is a significant evaluation but it is also a limiting one. The Dom-ino system can quickly build a house because it is a standard method of construction. Most architects who use this method cannot really think about "the house itself". People always follow the architect's idea. Presently, people also do not have the choice to construct a building according to their own ideas. It should be possible to let people think more about the relationship between living and function.
2.1.5 Expertise with the subject matter
It is assumed that the value is rebuilt from destruction. It is also talking about philosophy. There are some important terms in the subject matter. Deconstructionism involves contemporary social sciences, literary criticism and philosophy. In this article, the author does not talk much about the technique of architecture. He is using some theories to support some of his viewpoints and opinions. Metaphysics is an important philosophy for this issue. Metaphysics is also nearly the theory of deconstructionism but it is not. Metaphysics is a basic development of deconstructionism. For example, the shape of the house is what creates the difference between symbols and suitable possibilities but it is not, because according to "White Mythology", it is a symbol or metaphor.
2.2 Analysis of the author's method
2.2.1 Identify the sources used
In this text, the author is using the Harvard reference system. References are noted on the footnote. There are a total of 78 footnotes. Most references come from Jacques Derrida, Martin Heidegger and the author's own publications. There was not much original research undertaken by the author, because the chapter is about the methods of comparison and application. Authors usually talk about a concept and then it is proved from someone's theory. For example, he considers that something is important to address when he want to talk about architecture. But he cannot, because he only does ‘rethinking'. He produces an instance "all of Derrida's writing is rethinking of interiority and a displacement of "place".
2.2.2 The methodology of evidence
In this chapter, the author uses mass methods of literary criticism. For example, he would like to discuss "house". He quoted the works of Heidegger. Heidegger's opinion is well known -"Building, Dwelling, Thinking"- figuratively identifies considering a house. The author wants to find another meaning of ‘house'. It could be a good method but is not quite right. The building is for living. It is the connection with the behaviour of humans. The behaviour of humans cannot really be controlled. It is literally only a transformation. Simulation is a good method of behaviour testing. It can be understood when the behaviour demonstration is more accurate than literary criticism.
2.3 Analysis of theory
The key concept is to challenge the limit of the meaning of living. To deconstruct the traditional concept of a building being for a purpose, the author uses mass theories of philosophy to support his opinion. The focus of this theory is deconstructionism but deconstructionism must be traced back to the original theory. These original theories were divided into three parts: literary criticism, philosophy and the social sciences. First, the primary resource comes from Derrida's theory, especially in literary criticism. Second, the metaphysics is the initial concept in the philosophy. Third, the social science is compared with Heidegger's theory. The author claims that some of the questions about architecture do not appear in Derrida's work. Derrida's theory also depended on a certain view of a building that emerges in the word "deconstruction."
2.4 Analysis of the argument
The author usually focuses on literary criticism. It is a metaphor. He considers that symbol and decoration can be applied to architecture, and develop gradually as semiotics and philosophy. This idea is similar to the 20th century architect Robert Venturi's concept. He has a well-known maxim "Less is a bore." He is a designer of the National Gallery, London. Robert Venturi had published a book: Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture in 1966. Some deconstructionists do not quite agree with Venturi's ideas in the book, because he does not distinguish between the decoration and the function. Those people think it is a problem in the function of building. For instance, Peter Eisenman, an architect, has designed the Wexner Centre for the Arts. The initial prototype of which is a castle. Peter Eisenman divides the castle into fragmentary shapes. Some of the frames run though the specific space. It can be felt to be conflicting and different. Those concepts are similar to Mark Wigley's basic theory.
2.5 Critical assessment
In this text, literary criticism is important. The author is using words to rethink what kind of new value can emerge. He rethinks about living and he considers that a house is a building. He refines it. He quotes Heidegger's opinion. Heidegger uses space rhetoric - "house," "enclosure," "shelter," "abode," "lodging," "inner," "proximity," "neighbourhood," - to rethink architecture. Literary criticism is also used in many fields.
The value of architecture is that it must keep rethinking about the mode of living to follow the changes in society. Since the 19th century, the methods of construction have not changed too much. Even in the 20th century, construction is a standardization form using Computer Aided Design/Manufacture. This can lead to architects that cannot really think about the relationship between essence and meaning in architecture. The author is, through philosophy, reviewing the value of architecture.
Finally, an overall conclusion is meaningful. The author has discussed architecture and interiors. It is a phenomenon concerning a space issue. I agree with the author's point. It can be extended into many concepts even though some people think it is ridiculous. Philosophers also cannot be understood when talking about some concepts. It is why philosophy is important to support the author's work. It is a standard academic discussion. I believe that literary criticism; philosophy and social sciences cannot be displaced. Those theories have a high academic value even if they are not applied to anything.
3. Deconstructionist Architecture
3.1 Frank Owen Gehry, deconstructionist architect
3.1.1 Introduction
Frank Owen Gehry is a Jewish architect who was born in Toronto, Canada. He has won the Pritzker Prize of architecture. He created many famous building worldwide. The most famous are the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, United States, and the Dancing House in the Czech Republic. His style of architecture is "paper architecture". His buildings resemble a fragment from the plane, something like an extended surface. Gehry is a Deconstructivist but he has spent much time working as a traditional architect in his early years. Some people give Gehry very high evaluation but some people is not. The famous cartoon, the Simpsons, mocked Gehry's buildings as rubbish, even though Gehry is a well-known architect.
3.1.2 The method of architecture design
"I think my best skill as an architect is the achievement of hand-to-eye coordination; I am able to transfer a sketch into a model into the building," Gehry said. Gehry loves sketching. He always sketches anything. When he starts to make a design he also sketches his ideas. A movie, Sketches of Frank Gehry, records the design process of Gehry and traces his methods. Gehry sketches a design in a book and then he just uses cardboard and tape to finish his 3D model building. Then he finds the materials for the building. It is a complete record. In Gehry's sketch there are complex and indescribable shapes, but it is very interesting that the result is similar to those complex and indescribable shapes. Most people consider that Gehry just follows his mind and does not think too much. But Gehry said that he prefers to use sketches to demonstrate and display some states of chaos, which he compares with perfect architectural solutions.
Gehry consider that he is rebuilding the value. He uses the method to design many products not only buildings. For example, Gehry has designed jewellery for Tiffany & Co and tableware and furniture. He also uses his style to design those products. In those examples, it can be seen that the same method is producing the same style. In this case, there are three levels in the design method. First, what is the basic meaning in the original object? Second, what kind of concept should be showed? Third, what kinds of visual effects should be displayed? The three parts of the method are combined to produce a new product.
3.1.3 Conclusion
Gehry seems to break the rules. Those rules of architecture are not useful when Gehry displays his portfolios. It is similar Mark Wigley's opinion. Wigley explains through the word and Gehry shows the architecture of deconstruction. They are rethinking and redefining what architecture is. A phenomenon is behind another phenomenon. It means that we also believe anything when most people think it normal. But the truth is not because the phenomenon follows the time. When time is running and everything is changed. It is why deconstructionist must think about what it is in every time. So deconstruction has no accurate explanation.
3.2 Zaha Hadid, deconstructionist architect
3.2.1 Introduction
Zaha Hadid was born October 31, 1950 in Baghdad, Iraq. She graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. Zaha Hadid is the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Zaha Hadid also can understand how to promote herself. She has a good understanding of the media. She even has a blog, www.zahahadidblog.com, and the blog is maintained well. If people want to know about her recent information they can get some news on her blog. Unfortunately, Hadid's designs were not much built, because her style is stronger and also would be very expensive to build. Hadid is different from Gehry because she uses Computer Aided Design. The shapes of Hadid's design projects have more curves than Gehry's. Gehry's buildings are sharp-pointed but Hadid's models are smoother, especially in recent years.
3.2.2 The method of architecture design
Zaha Hadid's method is similar to Gehry's. Gehry usually sketches the idea. Hadid paints hers. Her painting style is similar "De Stijl". Those paintings inspired Hadid. She quite can find the shapes from the painting. She rebuilds the shapes to become the source of architecture. Zaha Hadid not only designs for architecture, she has designed a handbag for the Louis Vuitton brand. She is also designs furniture and so on.
Zaha Hadid's style is a highly dynamic image. It is not difficult to understand. When you enter Hadid's office website and you can see that the menu bar is constructed from the streamline. She uses a variety of media to display her work and she uses them well. She makes the 3D model from the computer and she uses it to compose the object and show the result. She is famous in ‘Demonstrating Digital Architecture'. Recently, Computer Aided Design has become more generally used. Many deconstructionist designers are beginning to use computers to help them to create complex works. They depend on high technology to create new methods or concepts.
3.2.3 Conclusion
I believe that Hadid and Gehry really are to practice themselves mind. In their portfolios the architecture of deconstructionism is shown. Even though some of parts are not accepted, it is a way of discovering new methods by rethinking the ones that exist now. Deconstructionists destroy the original object and then rebuild it. Those ancient philosophies are to help us to rethink about the problem of the life. It is the reason that many designers or artists are always showing new ideas and only a few people can understand them.
4. The relevance of Deconstructionism to my major project: An examination of the design process for a range of jewellery for accessorizing consumer products
4.1 Introduction
I aim to create a range of jewellery that can accessorize a variety of consumer products. I found that the little products were a combination of jewellery and a consumer product. But more and more consumer products are considered to be a kind of accessory. For example, a mobile phone was considered a communication tool, but nowadays, a mobile phone is considered to be a fashion statement. Advertisers are not emphasising the quality of communication, they are highlighting the style of fashion. I think that I could find the different meaning for the style or function.
4.2 Rethinking, refining and rebuilding
In Derrida's theory, he thinks that literary criticism is important. He uses the word to change another word. I follow Derrida's theory to change the words. First, I rethink "jewellery and product," "accessory and function." When I try to rethink about it and I get a problem. The problem is that the range is too wide. I must decrease the range of rethinking. I divide the relation between jewellery and product. I just focus on jewellery or product. If I focus on product and I must decrease it again. The product is defined as a consumer product. There are many kinds of consumer products. What kind of consumer product do I want? It is a question. The method is also asking myself the question. I can get the important result. Rethinking is the process of asking. In this process, it can quickly get the answer no matter whether I get a good idea or not. It is the clue and it can also help discover another answer. When I decide the object and I can redefine the meaning. I extend the meaning for my purpose. I trace the new definition from those words. Rebuilding is to combine those words. For example, I have two words "decoration" and "speaking". I combine decoration and speaking together. I get a new word "lipstick". At fact, Nokia had produced a famous mobile phone. It is called "lipstick", because the shape is similar to a lipstick. Even though the phone's function is poor, its decorative image is very strong.
4.3 Application of the design method
1. What is the basic meaning in the original object?
2. What kind of concept should be showed?
3. What kinds of visual effects should be displayed?
There are three parts in Gehry's concept. I can use a computer to help me to find new shapes in my design process. I was inspired by Zaha Hadid and mixed the methods from Gehry and Hadid. I can sketch to find the inspirations or I can paint a picture to deconstruct those curves. I have many methods to help me. I can try everything. I explode the range and then I decrease the main idea. It is the process of deconstruction until I decide the main purpose.
5. Conclusions
Deconstructionism is a complex concept. It connects with so many issues and theories. I believe that the purpose of deconstructionism is as a tool to help people to think more clearly. What is truth? Some types of intelligence do not come from knowledge and books; they depend on ability. It can guide you the right way. This ability can be practiced. The way is always to ask the question yourself. It is the main idea of deconstructionism because it is the behaviour of deconstruction. I would like to quote Derrida's words in my last conclusion. If you ask Derrida "What is deconstruction?" I believe that Derrida will tell you "To ask the question in your question."
6. References & Bibliography
Carole Gray and Julian Malins, Visualizing Research: A guide to the research process in the art and design, Ashgate, 2004.
Christopher Norris, Deconstruction: Theory and Practice, Routledge, 1991.
Derrida, Jacques, Letter to A Japanese Friend, Derrida and Différance, ed. David Wood and Robert Bernasconi, Warwick: Parousia, 1985, p. 1.
Frank O. Gehry, arcspace, (Online) Available: http://www.arcspace.com/gehry_new/ (Accessed 02/01/07)
Julian Wolfreys, Deconstruction-Derrida, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1998.
Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, pp. 25-26.
Peter Brunette and David Wills, Deconstruction and the visual arts: art, media, architecture, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Rorty, Richard, From Formalism to Poststructuralism. The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism, vol. 8. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1995.
Sydney Pollack, Sketches of Frank Gehry, (Online) Available: http://www.sonyclassics.com/sketchesoffrankgehry/main.html (Accessed 26/12/07)
Zaha Hadid, Zaha Hadid office website, (Online) Available: www.zaha-hadid.com (Accessed 28/12/07)
Zaha Hadid, Zaha Hadid blog, (Online) Available: www.zahahadidblog.com/ (Accessed 30/12/07),
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 History of Deconstructionism
1.2 The Jacques Derrida theory
1.3 Definition of Deconstructionism
2. Analysis of Mark Wigley, The domestication of the house: deconstruction after architecture
2.1 Contextual appraisal
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.2 The subject position of the author
2.1.3 The piece appearance the context
2.1.4 The expectation readership
2.1.5 Expertise with the subject matter
2.2 Analysis of author's method
2.2.1 Identify the sources used
2.2.2 The methodology of evidence
2.3 Analysis of theory
2.4 Analysis of argument
2.5 Critical assessment
3. Deconstructionism Architecture
3.1 Frank Owen Gehry, deconstructionist architect
3.1.1 Introduction
3.1.2 The method of architecture design
3.1.3 Conclusion
3.2 Zaha Hadid, deconstructionist architect
3.2.1 Introduction
3.2.2 The method of architecture design
3.2.3 Conclusion
4. The relevance of Deconstructionism to my major project: An examination of the design process for a range of jewellery for accessorizing consumer products
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Rethinking, refining and rebuilding
4.3 Application design method
5. Conclusions
6. References & Bibliography
1. Introduction
1.1 History of Deconstructionism
Deconstructionism as an approach to criticism comes from the work of Jacques Derrida during the period between the late 1960s and the early 1980s. Derrida was one of an important group at Yale University containing Geoffrey Hartman, Paul de Man and J. Hillis Miller. Deconstruction has important connections with much of Western philosophy and Derrida was very much influenced by the theory of phenomenology as set out by Edmund Husserl who was an early user of the term "Deconstruction". Structuralism and Post-Structuralism are also connected with deconstructionism because of their influence on its development. The theory of deconstructionism has been very widely applied in the field of art and design. Western philosophy has been connected with deconstructionism, because so many significant philosophers have been influenced by it.
1.2 The Jacques Derrida theory
Jacques Derrida was born in Algiers in 1930. He published three significant theories: Of Grammatology, Speech and Phenomena, and Writing and Difference. Derrida explains deconstructionism in two ways. Deconstructionism famously borrows from Martin Heidegger's conception of a "destructive retrieve" and in another way, deconstructionism generally reserved meanings that show, at least partly, the outer surface of the metaphysical tradition. Deconstructionism is also vague in logic. Derrida considers that deconstructionism connects many texts. This is the reason deconstructionism cannot be explained easily. For example, he said, "writing is not a sign of a sign, except if one says it of all signs, which would be more profoundly true." Derrida gives these negative concepts of deconstructionism to indirectly describe "what deconstruction is not, or rather ought not to be." He explains that deconstructionism is not a method, an analysis and a critique. He considers that deconstructionism cannot be understood by traditional philosophical logic, because it is a synthetic logic special to philosophy. Even though deconstructionism has no real method, analysis and critique, Derrida repeats "the necessity of returning to them, at least under erasure." It is meaning that something was destroyed and then something is built. Derrida has not always defined deconstructionism very clearly because he conserves the infinite possibility of deconstructionism. It is the possibility for everything, he thought.
1.3 Definition of Deconstructionism
Many definitions of deconstructionism are nearly Derrida's theory. Deconstructionism is difficult to understand, define formally and sum up. Deconstruction was first applied by Martin Heidegger. Many authors have opposed giving a brief definition of the expression. What is deconstructionism? "I have no simple and formalisable response to this question. All my essays are attempts to have it out with this formidable question." Derrida said. In that case, it is very dangerous that deconstructionism resembles nihilism. In many situations, some people cannot quite understand deconstructionism and so find it hard to explain. Paul Ricoeur considers that religious learning can inspire the people and, furthermore, he claims that "deconstruction as a way of uncovering the questions behind the answers of a text or tradition."
2. Analysis of The domestication of the house: deconstruction after architecture
2.1 Contextual appraisal
2.1.1 Introduction
It is a book that is a discussion about deconstruction and the visual arts. The book is edited by Peter Brunette and David Wills. The book's title is ‘Deconstruction and the visual arts: art, media, architecture', Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994. I select chapter 12 to analyze. The topic of chapter 12 is "The domestication of the house: deconstruction after architecture". The author is Mark Wigley. In this chapter, the purpose is a discussion about deconstruction and architecture. In modern times an active debate involving various disciplines has considered the question of architecture and deconstructionism. The author refers to some important concepts from Derrida and Heidegger, especially the term "spatial art".
2.1.2 The subject position of the author
The author, through discussion, aims to understand the relationship between architecture and the environment. He considers that Derrida and Heidegger's theories can help to find a new method. The method is defined on the new relationship of philosophy to spatial art. The author, Mark Wigley, through philosophy attempts to trace a more fundamental condition from the problems of living. He also discusses some basic questions. Those questions are extended to ask more questions about philosophy. He believes that some issues in specific architectural projects do not fit Derrida's theories.
2.1.3 The piece appearance the context
The meaning of inhabitancy is a central issue, but it must be destroyed when the discussion is beginning. The purpose is "the house itself". The issues are some kinds of signs linking philosophy and the object to be analysed. Deconstructionism has developed a connection with metaphysics. It can be explained that something is like the object. It is a specific kind of construction that really covers up the source construction it apparently exposes. Some issues also challenged the "limits". Those issues have been debated, but the principle is also to be challenged in order to find the new method.
2.1.4 The expectation readership
An architect also thinks about the relationship between people and living. Sometimes, it is a relation between society and environment. Le Corbusier, a famous twentieth century architect, discovered the Dom-ino system in the architecture structure. He figures that a building is a machine just for living. It is a significant evaluation but it is also a limiting one. The Dom-ino system can quickly build a house because it is a standard method of construction. Most architects who use this method cannot really think about "the house itself". People always follow the architect's idea. Presently, people also do not have the choice to construct a building according to their own ideas. It should be possible to let people think more about the relationship between living and function.
2.1.5 Expertise with the subject matter
It is assumed that the value is rebuilt from destruction. It is also talking about philosophy. There are some important terms in the subject matter. Deconstructionism involves contemporary social sciences, literary criticism and philosophy. In this article, the author does not talk much about the technique of architecture. He is using some theories to support some of his viewpoints and opinions. Metaphysics is an important philosophy for this issue. Metaphysics is also nearly the theory of deconstructionism but it is not. Metaphysics is a basic development of deconstructionism. For example, the shape of the house is what creates the difference between symbols and suitable possibilities but it is not, because according to "White Mythology", it is a symbol or metaphor.
2.2 Analysis of the author's method
2.2.1 Identify the sources used
In this text, the author is using the Harvard reference system. References are noted on the footnote. There are a total of 78 footnotes. Most references come from Jacques Derrida, Martin Heidegger and the author's own publications. There was not much original research undertaken by the author, because the chapter is about the methods of comparison and application. Authors usually talk about a concept and then it is proved from someone's theory. For example, he considers that something is important to address when he want to talk about architecture. But he cannot, because he only does ‘rethinking'. He produces an instance "all of Derrida's writing is rethinking of interiority and a displacement of "place".
2.2.2 The methodology of evidence
In this chapter, the author uses mass methods of literary criticism. For example, he would like to discuss "house". He quoted the works of Heidegger. Heidegger's opinion is well known -"Building, Dwelling, Thinking"- figuratively identifies considering a house. The author wants to find another meaning of ‘house'. It could be a good method but is not quite right. The building is for living. It is the connection with the behaviour of humans. The behaviour of humans cannot really be controlled. It is literally only a transformation. Simulation is a good method of behaviour testing. It can be understood when the behaviour demonstration is more accurate than literary criticism.
2.3 Analysis of theory
The key concept is to challenge the limit of the meaning of living. To deconstruct the traditional concept of a building being for a purpose, the author uses mass theories of philosophy to support his opinion. The focus of this theory is deconstructionism but deconstructionism must be traced back to the original theory. These original theories were divided into three parts: literary criticism, philosophy and the social sciences. First, the primary resource comes from Derrida's theory, especially in literary criticism. Second, the metaphysics is the initial concept in the philosophy. Third, the social science is compared with Heidegger's theory. The author claims that some of the questions about architecture do not appear in Derrida's work. Derrida's theory also depended on a certain view of a building that emerges in the word "deconstruction."
2.4 Analysis of the argument
The author usually focuses on literary criticism. It is a metaphor. He considers that symbol and decoration can be applied to architecture, and develop gradually as semiotics and philosophy. This idea is similar to the 20th century architect Robert Venturi's concept. He has a well-known maxim "Less is a bore." He is a designer of the National Gallery, London. Robert Venturi had published a book: Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture in 1966. Some deconstructionists do not quite agree with Venturi's ideas in the book, because he does not distinguish between the decoration and the function. Those people think it is a problem in the function of building. For instance, Peter Eisenman, an architect, has designed the Wexner Centre for the Arts. The initial prototype of which is a castle. Peter Eisenman divides the castle into fragmentary shapes. Some of the frames run though the specific space. It can be felt to be conflicting and different. Those concepts are similar to Mark Wigley's basic theory.
2.5 Critical assessment
In this text, literary criticism is important. The author is using words to rethink what kind of new value can emerge. He rethinks about living and he considers that a house is a building. He refines it. He quotes Heidegger's opinion. Heidegger uses space rhetoric - "house," "enclosure," "shelter," "abode," "lodging," "inner," "proximity," "neighbourhood," - to rethink architecture. Literary criticism is also used in many fields.
The value of architecture is that it must keep rethinking about the mode of living to follow the changes in society. Since the 19th century, the methods of construction have not changed too much. Even in the 20th century, construction is a standardization form using Computer Aided Design/Manufacture. This can lead to architects that cannot really think about the relationship between essence and meaning in architecture. The author is, through philosophy, reviewing the value of architecture.
Finally, an overall conclusion is meaningful. The author has discussed architecture and interiors. It is a phenomenon concerning a space issue. I agree with the author's point. It can be extended into many concepts even though some people think it is ridiculous. Philosophers also cannot be understood when talking about some concepts. It is why philosophy is important to support the author's work. It is a standard academic discussion. I believe that literary criticism; philosophy and social sciences cannot be displaced. Those theories have a high academic value even if they are not applied to anything.
3. Deconstructionist Architecture
3.1 Frank Owen Gehry, deconstructionist architect
3.1.1 Introduction
Frank Owen Gehry is a Jewish architect who was born in Toronto, Canada. He has won the Pritzker Prize of architecture. He created many famous building worldwide. The most famous are the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, United States, and the Dancing House in the Czech Republic. His style of architecture is "paper architecture". His buildings resemble a fragment from the plane, something like an extended surface. Gehry is a Deconstructivist but he has spent much time working as a traditional architect in his early years. Some people give Gehry very high evaluation but some people is not. The famous cartoon, the Simpsons, mocked Gehry's buildings as rubbish, even though Gehry is a well-known architect.
3.1.2 The method of architecture design
"I think my best skill as an architect is the achievement of hand-to-eye coordination; I am able to transfer a sketch into a model into the building," Gehry said. Gehry loves sketching. He always sketches anything. When he starts to make a design he also sketches his ideas. A movie, Sketches of Frank Gehry, records the design process of Gehry and traces his methods. Gehry sketches a design in a book and then he just uses cardboard and tape to finish his 3D model building. Then he finds the materials for the building. It is a complete record. In Gehry's sketch there are complex and indescribable shapes, but it is very interesting that the result is similar to those complex and indescribable shapes. Most people consider that Gehry just follows his mind and does not think too much. But Gehry said that he prefers to use sketches to demonstrate and display some states of chaos, which he compares with perfect architectural solutions.
Gehry consider that he is rebuilding the value. He uses the method to design many products not only buildings. For example, Gehry has designed jewellery for Tiffany & Co and tableware and furniture. He also uses his style to design those products. In those examples, it can be seen that the same method is producing the same style. In this case, there are three levels in the design method. First, what is the basic meaning in the original object? Second, what kind of concept should be showed? Third, what kinds of visual effects should be displayed? The three parts of the method are combined to produce a new product.
3.1.3 Conclusion
Gehry seems to break the rules. Those rules of architecture are not useful when Gehry displays his portfolios. It is similar Mark Wigley's opinion. Wigley explains through the word and Gehry shows the architecture of deconstruction. They are rethinking and redefining what architecture is. A phenomenon is behind another phenomenon. It means that we also believe anything when most people think it normal. But the truth is not because the phenomenon follows the time. When time is running and everything is changed. It is why deconstructionist must think about what it is in every time. So deconstruction has no accurate explanation.
3.2 Zaha Hadid, deconstructionist architect
3.2.1 Introduction
Zaha Hadid was born October 31, 1950 in Baghdad, Iraq. She graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. Zaha Hadid is the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Zaha Hadid also can understand how to promote herself. She has a good understanding of the media. She even has a blog, www.zahahadidblog.com, and the blog is maintained well. If people want to know about her recent information they can get some news on her blog. Unfortunately, Hadid's designs were not much built, because her style is stronger and also would be very expensive to build. Hadid is different from Gehry because she uses Computer Aided Design. The shapes of Hadid's design projects have more curves than Gehry's. Gehry's buildings are sharp-pointed but Hadid's models are smoother, especially in recent years.
3.2.2 The method of architecture design
Zaha Hadid's method is similar to Gehry's. Gehry usually sketches the idea. Hadid paints hers. Her painting style is similar "De Stijl". Those paintings inspired Hadid. She quite can find the shapes from the painting. She rebuilds the shapes to become the source of architecture. Zaha Hadid not only designs for architecture, she has designed a handbag for the Louis Vuitton brand. She is also designs furniture and so on.
Zaha Hadid's style is a highly dynamic image. It is not difficult to understand. When you enter Hadid's office website and you can see that the menu bar is constructed from the streamline. She uses a variety of media to display her work and she uses them well. She makes the 3D model from the computer and she uses it to compose the object and show the result. She is famous in ‘Demonstrating Digital Architecture'. Recently, Computer Aided Design has become more generally used. Many deconstructionist designers are beginning to use computers to help them to create complex works. They depend on high technology to create new methods or concepts.
3.2.3 Conclusion
I believe that Hadid and Gehry really are to practice themselves mind. In their portfolios the architecture of deconstructionism is shown. Even though some of parts are not accepted, it is a way of discovering new methods by rethinking the ones that exist now. Deconstructionists destroy the original object and then rebuild it. Those ancient philosophies are to help us to rethink about the problem of the life. It is the reason that many designers or artists are always showing new ideas and only a few people can understand them.
4. The relevance of Deconstructionism to my major project: An examination of the design process for a range of jewellery for accessorizing consumer products
4.1 Introduction
I aim to create a range of jewellery that can accessorize a variety of consumer products. I found that the little products were a combination of jewellery and a consumer product. But more and more consumer products are considered to be a kind of accessory. For example, a mobile phone was considered a communication tool, but nowadays, a mobile phone is considered to be a fashion statement. Advertisers are not emphasising the quality of communication, they are highlighting the style of fashion. I think that I could find the different meaning for the style or function.
4.2 Rethinking, refining and rebuilding
In Derrida's theory, he thinks that literary criticism is important. He uses the word to change another word. I follow Derrida's theory to change the words. First, I rethink "jewellery and product," "accessory and function." When I try to rethink about it and I get a problem. The problem is that the range is too wide. I must decrease the range of rethinking. I divide the relation between jewellery and product. I just focus on jewellery or product. If I focus on product and I must decrease it again. The product is defined as a consumer product. There are many kinds of consumer products. What kind of consumer product do I want? It is a question. The method is also asking myself the question. I can get the important result. Rethinking is the process of asking. In this process, it can quickly get the answer no matter whether I get a good idea or not. It is the clue and it can also help discover another answer. When I decide the object and I can redefine the meaning. I extend the meaning for my purpose. I trace the new definition from those words. Rebuilding is to combine those words. For example, I have two words "decoration" and "speaking". I combine decoration and speaking together. I get a new word "lipstick". At fact, Nokia had produced a famous mobile phone. It is called "lipstick", because the shape is similar to a lipstick. Even though the phone's function is poor, its decorative image is very strong.
4.3 Application of the design method
1. What is the basic meaning in the original object?
2. What kind of concept should be showed?
3. What kinds of visual effects should be displayed?
There are three parts in Gehry's concept. I can use a computer to help me to find new shapes in my design process. I was inspired by Zaha Hadid and mixed the methods from Gehry and Hadid. I can sketch to find the inspirations or I can paint a picture to deconstruct those curves. I have many methods to help me. I can try everything. I explode the range and then I decrease the main idea. It is the process of deconstruction until I decide the main purpose.
5. Conclusions
Deconstructionism is a complex concept. It connects with so many issues and theories. I believe that the purpose of deconstructionism is as a tool to help people to think more clearly. What is truth? Some types of intelligence do not come from knowledge and books; they depend on ability. It can guide you the right way. This ability can be practiced. The way is always to ask the question yourself. It is the main idea of deconstructionism because it is the behaviour of deconstruction. I would like to quote Derrida's words in my last conclusion. If you ask Derrida "What is deconstruction?" I believe that Derrida will tell you "To ask the question in your question."
6. References & Bibliography
Carole Gray and Julian Malins, Visualizing Research: A guide to the research process in the art and design, Ashgate, 2004.
Christopher Norris, Deconstruction: Theory and Practice, Routledge, 1991.
Derrida, Jacques, Letter to A Japanese Friend, Derrida and Différance, ed. David Wood and Robert Bernasconi, Warwick: Parousia, 1985, p. 1.
Frank O. Gehry, arcspace, (Online) Available: http://www.arcspace.com/gehry_new/ (Accessed 02/01/07)
Julian Wolfreys, Deconstruction-Derrida, Macmillan Press Ltd, 1998.
Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, pp. 25-26.
Peter Brunette and David Wills, Deconstruction and the visual arts: art, media, architecture, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Rorty, Richard, From Formalism to Poststructuralism. The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism, vol. 8. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1995.
Sydney Pollack, Sketches of Frank Gehry, (Online) Available: http://www.sonyclassics.com/sketchesoffrankgehry/main.html (Accessed 26/12/07)
Zaha Hadid, Zaha Hadid office website, (Online) Available: www.zaha-hadid.com (Accessed 28/12/07)
Zaha Hadid, Zaha Hadid blog, (Online) Available: www.zahahadidblog.com/ (Accessed 30/12/07),
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