Enric Miralles born in Catalunya, died in 2000 at age 45 from a brain tumor.
Considered a hero by the speaker, who idolized him and worked for him.
Miralles significantly influenced the speaker's development as an architect.
Miralles' Architectural Style
Key Characteristics
Focused on experimentation and aggressive form speculation.
Utilized materials and language suited to the speaker's feelings about Argentina.
Emphasized understanding and manipulation of geometry in architecture.
Concept of "Croissant"
Idea of taking unconventional shapes and filtering them through conventions for manageability.
Advocated for elevating everyday life through simple manipulations of geometry.
Early Career and Notable Projects
Worked on projects for the 1992 Olympic Games (e.g., Carrier Pergolas).
Emphasized architecture's joyful and sensitive aspects beyond mere functionality.
Architectural Philosophy
Advocated for architecture as a manipulation of geometry, akin to cooking or making the bed.
Believed in the importance of drawing and craftsmanship drawn from carpentry, especially Nordic influences.
Influence of Geometry and Drawing
Drawings served dual purposes: design and construction.
Emphasized plans and sections; sections were often a consequence of the overlapping plans.
Early projects like the Cemetery of Igualada exemplified his approach to intertwining architecture with nature.
Creative Process and Project Evolution
Projects influenced each other, leading to a continuous evolution of ideas.
Miralles' philosophy included the idea that architecture should be more than complete; it should allow for incompleteness and evolution.
Legacy and Impact
Miralles viewed as one of the most radical and playful architects in the past 50 years.
His work influenced many contemporary architects who followed.
Discussion of Techniques
Drawing Techniques
Utilized precise tools like triangles and compasses before the advent of computer technology.
Early explorations in architecture were marked by a strong emphasis on lines and geometry.
Transition to Digital
Miralles' work predated digital tools but laid the groundwork for future architects.
His legacy includes a seamless transition to using digital technologies for architectural design.
Social Agenda and Beauty in Architecture
Believed beauty in architecture should serve a social agenda.
Advocated that architecture must improve the places it inhabits, transforming communities and urban spaces.
Final Projects and Concepts
Discussed various projects including the Scottish Parliament and the Santa Catarina market, highlighting their integration with the surrounding environment.
Emphasized the importance of simple concepts evolving into complex projects through manipulation.
Conclusion
Miralles' work remains relevant to contemporary architecture and design.
Encouraged students to explore his design principles and philosophies in their projects.