THEORY OF

ARCHITECTURE II

Part 8. Lecture I
Topic A. Deconstructivism
 What is the difference between
deconstruction & demolition and destroy?

Deconstructivism is an
architectural style characterized by
fragmentation and contradictory
shapes and structures. It was
influenced by postmodernism and
Russian constructivism. Notable
deconstructivist architects like Frank
Gehry and Bernard Tschumi
designed buildings with irregular,
overlapping forms that distort
conventions of architecture. Their
works featured experimental shapes
and a controlled chaos that
challenged expectations.
 What is the difference between
deconstruction and demolition and destroy?
Deconstruction, demolition, and destroy are all ways to take
something apart, but they differ in purpose and method.
Deconstruction is a selective, step-by-step dismantling for the
purpose of reusing the materials. Demolition is the process of tearing
down a structure, often using heavy machinery, to clear the site.
Destroy is a broader term for causing severe damage as a result of
demolition.
M PM RC
 Deconstructivism
Deconstructivism is the postmodern architectural movement that
emerged in the 1980s is marked by a sense of Distortion,
fragmentation in its structures. This style is defined by a lack of
harmony, continuity, and symmetry.
Nationale-Nederlanden Building in
Prague
 THEORY OF DECONSTRUCTION
is a development of postmodern
architecture that began in the late 1980s.
It is influenced by the theory of
"Deconstruction". It is characterized
by fragmentation, manipulating a
structure's surface, Curve skin, non-
rectilinear shapes which appear to
distort and dislocate elements of
architecture, such as structure and
envelope. The finished visual
appearance of buildings that exhibit
deconstructivist "styles" is characterized
by unpredictability and controlled
chaos.
 Characterstics of deconsrtructvism
Characterstics explodes
architectural form into loose
collections of related fragments.
Destroys the dominance of the right
angle and the cube by using the
diagonal lines. Uses ideas and images
from Russian revolutionary
architecture and design. Provokes
shocks, uncertainty, unease, disquit,
disruption, distorting by challenging
,familiar ideas about space, order and
irregularity in the environment.
Rejects the ideas of the perfect forms
for a particular activity and rejects the
familiar relationship between certain
forms and certain activities.
 Origins: Philosophy Meets Architecture
Philosophical Roots 1
Inspired by French philosopher
Jacques Derrida’s concept of 2 Architectural Emergence
"Deconstruction" from the 1960s, Emerged as a distinct
questioning traditional interpretations. architectural language in the
1980s, directly challenging the
Defining Exhibition 3 prevailing modernism and
A pivotal moment was the 1988 MoMA postmodernism.
exhibition "Deconstructivist
Architecture," curated by Philip Johnson
and Mark Wigley, bringing the
movement to global attention.

- Peter Eisenman,
- Frank Gehry - Rem Koolhaas,
- Zaha Hadid - Daniel Libeskind and
- Coop Himmelblau - Bernard Tschumi
Characteristics of deconstructivism
 Characteristics of deconstructivism

Deconstructivism is not only the deconstruction of structure,

it also refers to the deconstruction of ideas. Deconstructivist
architecture seeks to remove all rules and systems of architecture
stripping it of all codified methods in past
Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao NY 1997 Frank
Gehry
• Creativity versus
functionality
• Luminous and shape-
shifting
• Rolling in the sunlight
and reflection from the
Nervion River
• Covered in titanium
panel that resembles
fish scales, a tribute
to the museums
location
 UFA Cinema
Germany 1988 Coop
Himmelb (l) au

• Parasitic appearance
• The 2 blocks, serve as
lobby and public square
and the cinema block
aims to confront the issue
of public space by
making multifunctional
and urban functions gives
a new urbanity in the city
Wexner Center for the Arts,
Ohio 1989 Peter Eisenman

A dynamic five-storey, open-air

structure of scaffolding-like
grids intentionally appears
incomplete and trapped in limbo.
Concept trumps function—direct
sunlight threatens artworks, there
are no doors (only sculptural
ornament), and intersecting
planes can unsettle visitors. The
work foregrounds abstract ideas
and theory over practicality.
 Parc de la Villette Paris
1987 Bernard Tschumi

• An award-winning project
noted for its architecture and
new strategy of urban
organization, La Villette has
become known as an
unprecedented type of park. A
system of dispersed “points”—
the red enameled steel folies
that support different cultural
and leisure activities—is
superimposed on a system of
lines that emphasizes
movement through the park.
Seattle Central Library
USA 1997 Rem
Koolhaas/ OLM

• 8 horizontal layers of
varied size, in structural
steel and glass which
defines additional
exterior public spaces
• The design focuses on
information as a whole
where all media can be
accessed, reflected upon
and discussed.
Contemporary Arts
Center, Ohio 2003 Zaha
Hadid

• Blocky and soft,

defined by geometric
volumes on the façade
and urban carpet with
the ground slowly
curving upward
 Jewish Museum, Germany
Daniel Libeskind
Overall Form (Distorted Star of David): The building features,
zigzagging resembling a distorted Star of David, symbolizing the
fragmentation of Jewish life during the Nazi era. This shape also
evokes a lightning bolt, representing the sudden disruption of the
Holocaust.
Axes: Three main underground pathways symbolize different
aspects of German-Jewish life:
• Axis of Continuity: The longest path leads to the main exhibition
floors, reflecting the ongoing challenges of Jewish history and
culture in Germany.
• Axis of Exile: This pathway leads to the Garden of Exile,
symbolizing instability and displacement for those forced to
emigrate.
• Axis of the Holocaust: A narrow corridor leading to the Holocaust
Tower, representing the end of life.
The Holocaust and the Voids: Architectural absence conveys the
impact of the Holocaust:
• Voids: Empty concrete shafts symbolize the spiritual emptiness
resulting from the extermination of six million Jews, creating a
palpable sense of absence.
• Holocaust Tower: A chamber designed for sensory deprivation.
• "Shalekhet" (Fallen Leaves) installation: In the Memory Void,
over 10,000 iron faces cover the floor, representing victims and
creating a haunting sound as visitors walk over them.
Disorientation: The building's angular walls and unconventional
layout intentionally disorient visitors, reflecting the psychological
instability experienced by Jewish people during persecution.
Defining Characteristics of Deconstructivism
1
Fragmentation & Distortion
Traditional architectural forms are broken apart and reassembled in unexpected ways.
2

Asymmetry & Unpredictability

Balance and symmetry are replaced by dynamic, unpredictable compositions.

3
Manipulated Surfaces
3
Building surfaces are designed to appear dislocated, fractured, or "frozen in time."

4
Conflicting Geometries
Collocation of opposing shapes and angles creates a sense of controlled chaos and tension.
Iconic Deconstructivist Architects
Frank Gehry
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao’s flowing, fragmented
titanium curves.

Zaha Hadid
Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan Dynamic, forms and
conventional geometry, creating a sense of movement.

Daniel Libeskind
Jewish Museum Berlin’s jagged, symbolic volumes
conveying complex narratives.

Pioneers
Bernard Tschumi, Peter Eisenman, Coop Himmelb,
and Rem Koolhaas also significantly shaped the
movement.
 Influence of contemporary art
Two strains of modern art, Minimalism and cubism have
had an influence on deconstractivsm.
Deconstructivism vs. Modernism and Postmodernism

Modernism Postmodernism Deconstructivism

Rejects "form follows Moves beyond ironic use Embraces complexity,
function" and its of historical takeoff and ambiguity, and instability,
emphasis on purity and ornamentation. favoring tension over clarity.
logic.

Deconstructivist buildings often appear "pulled apart" or in a state of

continuous transformation, deliberately provoking strong emotional
and intellectual responses from observers.
Walt Disney Concert Hall Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Architect: It was designed by The building was designed by architect
Frank Gehry. Frank Gehry
Purpose: The hall in Los Angeles. The exterior is primarily composed of
Design: Known for its approximately 33,000 extremely thin
deconstructivist style titanium sheets, along with limestone and
Acoustics: It is considered one of glass, which change color depending on
the most acoustically sophisticated the weather and light.
concert halls in the world. The museum has been credited with the
"Bilbao effect,"
Seattle Central Library The Jewish Museum Berlin
Known for its unique, The building was design by Daniel
deconstructivist design, featuring Libeskind. The exterior is primarily
a striking glass and steel facade composed of approximately 33,000
with a diamond-shaped exterior. extremely thin titanium sheets, along with
It was designed by the limestone and glass, which change color
architectural firms OMA (Office depending on the weather and light.
for Metropolitan Architecture), The museum has been credited with the
led by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua "Bilbao effect,"
Prince-Ramus
Changsha Meixihu International
Culture and Arts Centre
designed by Zaha Hadid Architects
located in Changsha, China.
The complex features three
distinct, organically shaped Infinitus Plaza
buildings: a Grand Theatre with Infinitus Plaza is a radical design that takes
1,800 seats, a contemporary art the form of a circular structure where fluidity
museum (MICA), and a 500-seat and connectivity are the focal points. The
multi-purpose hall. structure’s design allows minimal structural
support requirements, thus creating vast
spaces without columns.
 It is characterized by fragmentation, and interest in
manipulating a structure’s surface or skin through transforming
the basic volume of architecture (Cube, Cuboid, Pyramid and
spare) in order to recombine it in a new hybrid shapes.

Deconstructivesm rejected the acceptance of the historical

references, as well as the idea of ornament as an after-thought or
decoration
Design Characteristic and classification

Design characteristics- in common

No Physically pure basic Volume
Fragmented mass
New Materials (Metals, Glass, Concrete)
Complicated structure, and thus advanced structural systems
Relatively high void percentage
Open plan
Design characteristics- Layering
Definition: essentially based on fragmenting pure basic
volumes into vertical and horizontal planes which
create different layer
Design characteristics- Angular
Essentially consists of complicated composition of hybrid volumes
with acute angles.
Design characteristics- Organic
Essentially consists of complicated sculptured volumes with curvy lines.
Design characteristics- Chaos
Essentially consists of complicated composition of hybrid volumes with wide
variety of lines and angles.
 1. Deconstructivism is part of which larger movement in art?
 A, Modernism.
 B, Postmodernism.
 C, Abstract expressionism.
 D, Neoclassicism.
 2. Which rule of style does deconstructivism specifically try to break?
 A, A structure must be stable.
 B, The components of a structure should harmoniously fit together into a seamless whole.
 C, Architecture should force the viewer to think about their surroundings.
 D, Buildings should be without ornamentation so that the viewer can focus solely on the shape
of the structure.
 3. What sorts of shapes are used less frequently by deconstructivists?
 A, Squares and rectangles
 B, Triangles and pyramids
 C, Circles and spheres
 D, Waves
 4. What is another name for "Deconstructivism"?
A, Neo-Construction
 B, Non-Construction
 C, Deconstruction
 D, Simplified Construction
 5. Deconstruction style in architecture is said to look like a "controlled chaos".
A, True B, False
 6. A_____________ seemingly contradictory style from a certain area of Europe from
1920 to 1930 influenced Deconstructivism. Can you remember what it was?
A, German Bauhaus
 B, Russian Constructivism
 C, French Expressionism
 D, American Googie
 7. "Form follows function" is a valid aphorism for Deconstructivism.
A. Yes B. No
 8. Which Deconstructivist architect had a movie made about him in 2005?
A, Rem Koolhaas
 B, Peter Eisenman
 C, Daniel Libeskind
 D, Frank Gehry
 9. Which Deconstructivist architect won the contest to be the chief architect to
reconstruct the World Trade Center site?
A, Wolf Prix
 B, Zaha Hadid
 C, Bernard Tschumi
 D, Daniel Libeskind
 10. Which architect founded OMA, (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) in 1975?
A, Peter Eisenman
 B, Rem Koolhaas
 C, Wolf Prix
 D, Bernard Tschumi
11. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (Spain) was designed by Bernard Tschumi.
A. True
 B. False
 12. Deconstructivism is not so much concerned with the aesthetics of positive and
negative space as it is with the aesthetics of curved objects.
A, True
 B, False
 13. Which two strains of modern art most had their influence on Deconstructivism?
A, Realism and Les Nabis
 B, De Stijl (Neoplasticism) and New Realism
 C, Futurism and Surrealism
 D, Minimalism and Analytical Cubism
 14. What was the year of the big MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) exhibition of
Deconstructivism?
A, 2008
 B, 1978
 C, 1988
 D, 1998
- Lack of Functionality
- high cost of construction
- Complexity and contradiction
- Lack of historical reference
- Form over function
- Lack of sustainability
- Physiological discomfort
- Physiological inconsistency
- Difficult to understand for general public