Reading Discussion 15
15--- Search for Form by Eliel Saarinen
Key Words:
1. Form- How do we find form? What makes good form? Saarinen states that "the fundamentals of form are just the same, all the time, unchangeable and firm" (3). However, form fluctuates because of man as it is part of man.
2. Art- Saarinen explains in the preamble that art is a language that is "the greatest treasure of human culture" (1). Art is honest and sincere. Since man is part of nature, art must be connected to nature- there must be a spiritual connection to nature. Art can be developed through form in three stages- the subconscious stage, the conscious stage, and the self-conscious stage.
Discussion Questions:
1. Saarinen argues that form is not mute for "form conveys its inner meaning with finer vibration and deeper expressiveness than can the spoken tongue" (17). How do we see form speak in architecture? How do we feel/ create meaning in architecture?
2. "Art is synonymous with health and lack of art is synonymous with unhealth" (27). How could this relate to our term project? How is the UN aiming to achieve their goals of creating a healthier world environment through art?