Post-Post-Post Modern Architecture - (One) Manifesto by Chris Lazarou
My personal interpretation of Post-Post-Modernism aims to connect the materiality and emotionality of primitive, ancient and traditional architecture with the dynamics of contemporary buildings. A novel type of monolithic aesthetics is developed that belongs neither to the past, nor to the present, nor to the future and is therefore timeless.
Cross-border/international
Greece
Cyprus
{Empty}
{Empty}
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
The Post-post-Modernist movement is not that new. In the field of architecture, the term "Metamodernism" is usually preferred among academics and professionals. In this project, however, Chris Lazarou attempts a new, more personal interpretation of this movement. Connecting the materiality and emotionality of primitive, ancient and traditional architecture with the dynamics and honesty of Modernist, Brutalist and Neo-Futurist buildings a novel type of aesthetics is developed that belongs neither to tradition, nor to Modernism, nor to the satirical and (perhaps) childish forms of Post-Modernism. It is something new that aims to preserve at a symbolic and semiotic level the culture of high productivity, and "purity" of the modern era and at the same time to regenerate the introspection, spirituality, tranquility and the feeling of being present from the pre- Modern life.
Ecology
Monolithic
Sentimentality
Sustainability
Post-Post-Modernism
Regarding tha aspect of sustainability on my project I shall write about the construction techniques and the materials I have incosporated. There is a range of different options sufficient enough for the construction of this novel buildings. In this text I will focus on the technique that is inspired by "cob" houses. In short, by using this technique, a builder or architect utilizes locally sourced, earthly materials, such as mud and wheat, to create the building blocks and the mortar for the final creation. By using these materials we can achieve a type of design that is friendly to the health of the inhabitants as well as the environment of the building. One problem about "cob" techniques is that they usually don't act well under weather pressure. I am however confident that these technical problems will be resolved soon or dealt with by other pliable, mortar-like materials like sustainable, "green" concrete.
The name of my project is "Post-Post-Modern Architecture" but it could also have been titled "Monolithic Architecture". These buildings seem to have been carved out of a large stone, a mountain or a rock. Something similar to Abu Sibel in southern Egypt or sub-terranean churches and towers of Cappadocia in Turkey. My architecture looks as if it is a ancient remnant/relic from a long lost civilization yet it is here in front of us. At the same time the forms I have designed are quite contemporary morphologicaly in order to fuse the materiality of traditional or primitive vernacular structures with the spirit of Modern, Brutalist and Neo-Futurist architecture. In this way, this architecture is timeless. It belongs neither to the past, nor to the present, nor to the future. Also, by using earthly materials I tried to make sure that my buildings would evoke feelings of humility and "down to earth-ness" in contrast to the most usual function of eponymous architecture across history, which is no other than to impress other humans and to separate them from the dangers of the natural environment. Furthermore, this architecture is a vessel of memory. Since it is pliable, because of its' materiality, it can bare traces of past events anf feelings. Finally, these buildings constitute a "safe house", a sanctuary for all these people who, inspired by certain scientific research or even in some cases pseudoscience, have come to despise or loath artificial (or chemical, industrial) objects and materials since they consider them unhealthy for humans or the environement. Therefore, my architecture, bares a semiotic narrative of redemption for these social groups.
The prefferable construction technique for this type of architecture is that which is inspired by "cob" houses. Traditionally, all over the world, many different civilizations have used this construction technique. Regarding inclusion, it is usually a rule of thumb that these buildings don't require expertise or special kind of labor. They can be built easily by a group of neighboors or friends at a very low financial cost. I, therefore, strongly believe that these structures could be a new prototype for affordable housing.
Regarding benefits towards the citizens, I believe they will be met with a stronger architectural, urban identity which will be able to reinforce their own identity and sense of belonging inside the built space. Furthermore, it is very important that the main technique used to construct this architecture comes at a very, very low financial cost. This alone could lead to big positive changes throughout the private and the public sector of a society.
I am afraid this project was developed by me, alone. No one else took part in this effort, although there were magazines and art galleries who intended to showcase or promote my work.
I am afraid this project was developed by me, alone. No one else took part in this effort, although I believe that if this is to be further developed, many different disciplines like sociologists, psychoanalysts, civil engineers, politicians and biloogists could cooperate with me.
The architecture I developed is, acoording to my opinion, an innovation, mainly because of its' aesthetics as well as its' financial impact on affordable housing.
Almost every element of my project, such as its' technology, aesthetics or materials, could be replicated in a different place or context.
Regarding global challenges, this project adresses the problem of anonymous, Modern architecture. More specifically, it is rather evident, yet not so apparent in the news or social media, that most people think negatively of Modernist, vernacular architecture. They consider it ugly or degraded. This leads people to idealize and romanticize past eras when their ancestors used to live in cities, towns and villages with picturesque character and fairytale-like aesthetics before the arrival of the Modern age. This is one (hidden) reason why many people despise Modernity although it is obvious that human societies have greatly benefited from the policies and the technological advancement of the contemporary era. The type of architecture showcased in this project opens the way for the development of a novel typology of low-cost yet high-standard vernacular architecture that could semiotically improve the financial welfare and the collective psycology of our societies.
