Architecture in Motion: Hinged Spaces for Future Cities

Gennaro Rossi

Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Abstract: Contemporary society is an overcharged information system. Technological advances and the mechanization of construction and design practice deeply changed global culture. The issue of the identity of the city and the gradual loose of interaction between the mankind and the urban realm compel architecture and urban planning to wonder about their final purpose. The city, as well as the universe, is a reality in a continuous state of flux. The interpretation methods of urban tissue and the envisioning process of future cities might consider Le Corbusier’s idea of rhythm, related to his reading of the Acropolis of Athens, as a very current topic. The early definition of syncretism, introduced by Plutarco to describe the Cretan alliance, suggests reflections on the essence of architecture and stimulates interesting considerations on the role of ideology in those disciplines which deal with urban, environmental and social health. Several case studies disclose that the positive effects of the reclaiming of built spaces are connected to the capacity of architecture and urban planning to consider the principles of variation, permeability and interaction. The MAXXI Museum in Rome by Zaha Hadid and the StoreFront for Art and Architecture in New York City by Steven Holl represent two different interpretations of urban fluidity. The main challenge for architecture could be to stop claiming space for a self-exhibition. Reconsidering the value of human perception to rebuild the urban phenomenology and create spaces that offer a thrilling social experience might open our minds towards new horizons.

Key words: variation, syncretism, reclaiming, urban fluidity, human perception