Modern visual practices in architecture and architectural didactics

Krzysztof Koszewski

doi:10.37190/arc200414

Abstract

The paper contains reflections on the place of architectural images in modern visual culture. This analysis is conducted in the context of Bauhaus postulates, indicating the need to reinterpret them and include the role of modern visual culture as a crucial element determining the message of architectural ideas. The analysis makes a reference to the phenomenon of reverse retrospection – a mechanism of transferring semantic associations typical for photographs to the sphere of architectural message. The purpose of this paper is to indicate conclusions resulting from the aforementioned analyses, which can be applied in modern architectural didactics.     The reflections were supported by survey research on the visual awareness of first-years’ students of architecture. The presented findings were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively, and their interpretation was included as well.     Finally, conclusions on teaching architecture were drawn, i.e. when complementing and reinterpreting the Bauhaus heritage, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the ability to create an adequate and clear visual message, but also to the ability to critically evaluate the language of images and being aware of possible scenarios and schemas of their functioning. Independently of the designers’ intentions, the created message becomes an element of a pictorial ensemble of modern culture, which, acting as a feedback loop, has an impact on both architecture itself and, in particular, on the possibilities of realising a particular concept. In this context the author considers the discussed issues to be extremely important and worth further research, both from the point of view of the architectural didactics and the profession of architect.