Building Transformation

Abstract

Ever since human civilization started building dwelling structures and conquering skies by constructing skyscrapers, the field of architecture has undergone many transformations through the ages which are evident in the growing level of complexity of structural designs. Many renowned philosophies have been presented by scholars in the discipline of architecture which is also supported by numerous theories. In turn, it helps to categorize and define various designs of buildings and justify them at the times when they were built. The classical theory defines the earliest architectural designs. Summerson observes that classical theory of architecture, based on antiquity, has evolved over time to give rise to the modern theory of architecture, which is based on computer-modelled mechanical designs. One key concept of contemporary architectural theory is metamorphosis. The essay has employed the 7 World Trade Centre (7 WTC) as architectural piece of discussion which is believed to be perfect example and a paradigm of metamorphosis notion. The neo-rationalist theory has been used to classify the concept of metamorphosis typologically and show how this notion fits in modern architecture. The essay will focus on the concept of metamorphosis and argue that, through the process of metamorphosis, the new post modernist structure that has arisen in the place of old 7 WTC has opened doors of innovation and new possibilities in designing. The essay aims to critically analyse the design of this building in accordance to various philosophical theories which will help us to draw a meaningful conclusion.



Building Transformation

Introduction

Located in New York City across World Trade Center in Manhattan, 7 World Trade Center is the second building to have the same name in the mentioned locality. It exhibits the paragon of metamorphosis notion. The concept of metamorphosis in modern architecture has been facilitated by development of technologies and new building materials. The key characteristic of the concept is centred on changes in form and design. In architecture, these changes are based on the flexibility of a particular aspect of an architectural piece. Technologies currently used in the construction of modern buildings, in this case, the 7 WTC, allow for continuous metamorphosis of spaces due to its fluid and flexible nature. Other ideas related these concepts are transformation, flexibility and fluidity. All these notions essentially facilitate change in form as well as in design, and in the context of our particular case, bring changes in architectural spaces that in turn convey new sort of implications to modern architecture.

In the upcoming discussion, the essay will use the different models including one presented by Foucault to elucidate the concept of metamorphosis, how this concept is adapted in the architecture of the 7 WTC in terms of its structure and also presents a critique of the building. In the metamorphosis of structures, the designer as an architect in post modernist times may have its own limitation rather than freedom to execute the birth of the new structure. Therefore, it will be shown how metamorphosis of space comes in to give rise to new interior designs of ...