Teets, 9/20

Habermas discusses both traditionalism and avant-gardism in his piece. Avant-gardism is linked to postmodernism while traditionalism is linked classicism. I think this juxtaposition of concepts tied in very nicely with our class discussion on Thursday regarding Jencks. In class we looked at architecture using some of Jencks’ eleven canons. We looked at canons such as disharmonious harmony, anthropomorphism, radical eclecticism, urbane urbanism, anamnesis and divergent signification. I’ve always noticed differences in certain architecture, but never to the extent we covered in class. To me the concepts were all avant-garde because they go against the norms we have created in society. A normal building is one with four walls, windows and doors. To me the most radically different concept was divergent signification. It takes the traditional building and literally reverses it inside out. It is a bit of an eyesore, but people can appreciate the idea behind it. Instead of hiding the plumbing and other hidden features, it exposes them. We primarily covered architecture in class, but I think that Jencks’ insight can be applied to many facets of society.

Specifically I want to compare the concepts of urbane urbanism and radical eclecticism to our society. In class we mentioned that these concepts are essentially complete opposites in architecture. Radical eclecticism seeks to contrast two or more pieces of architecture in close proximity in a drastic way. One of the examples we discussed was the Louvre. The old Louvre is a rather plainly designed European building. However, a new entrance was built with a large Pyramid as the focus. These two forms of architecture were extremely contrasting, hence radical eclecticism. Urbane urbanism is essentially creating a new building that looks like it fits in with old architecture. In society, traditional people seek to fit in with the crowd, move seamlessly along with the norms of society. However, radical people seek to stand out, make themselves noticeable. It is often the radically eclectic people that have an influence in the world, not the traditionalist people who try to fit in everywhere they go. Standing out can often be a negative thing, but many times over it can be an excellent way to live your life. Instead of hanging in the background with everyone else, why not make yourself the focus of the foreground?