Architectural Concepts: TIME
Time in architecture intro text
I. Decay and renovation in architecture
Decomposing materials in a decaying building reveal sensuous textures and hint at past uses, challenging our expectations of stability and permanence. As paint peels, wood warps, and materials erode, they expose the raw structure beneath, with rust, grime, and cracks adding layers of detail that tell stories of moisture, light, and time. Decay both unveils and veils, creating complexities in perception that blur scales and invite the imagination to complete the undefined spaces. This interplay of light, texture, and deterioration evokes a state of conscious dreaming, where shapes fluctuate and surfaces seem to pulsate, engaging both fears and curiosity. It calls us to embrace the causes and benefits of decay, as they reveal the passage of time and the profound effects of nature and history on architecture.
Renovation, refinishing may cover or conceal much of these benefits, but they are never lost forever. In fact, this only adds to the story of a place.
How we implement this in our architecture
Weathering materials as at the Tiefenbrunn House
Unexpected openings in the façade and roof as at the Broadway cast-iron building.
II. The external passage of time appreciated in architecture
Buildings can reflect the rhythms of nature. Kevin Nute's research shows that integrating elements like light, wind, and water into indoor spaces can enrich our experiences and enhance our well-being. This approach brings the dynamic qualities of the outdoors inside, creating environments that change with the movement of sunlight, the flow of air, and the sound of water.
By incorporating these natural elements, architecture can help remind us of the passage of time and connect us more deeply with our surroundings. It creates spaces that are not only visually and sensorially engaging but also foster a sense of tranquility and harmony, making our living environments more attuned to the natural world.
How we implement this in our architecture
The shaded courtyard of the Lake Elsinore Public Library
The colored glass windows and long shade of the Wallfahrtskapelle
III. People’s impact over time in architecture
People have a profound impact on architecture over time through their daily interactions with spaces. The selection and positioning of furniture can transform a room's function and feel, while the simple act of opening or closing shades alters the light and atmosphere. Natural wear and tear, such as stains being left on surfaces or chairs scraping across the floor, leaves marks that tell the story of a space’s use and history.
Additionally, the personal touches we add, like filling planter boxes and growing plants, breathe life into architectural environments, making them uniquely ours. These small, everyday actions collectively shape and redefine spaces, reflecting our habits, preferences, and lifestyle, and leaving a lasting imprint on the built environment.
How we implement this in our architecture
The living walls of the Sukkah that become less solid as the fruit is taken.
The walls of our Urban Mountaintop project that are covered in ivy when it’s warm, and are exposed through the winter.
