At the beginning of autumn, London hosted the 6th International Symposium on Natural Light, the whole of 2015 was declared the Year of Light by UNESCO, and both of these events are united by VELUX, the organizer of the London meeting and the official sponsor of the Year. In London, the conversation was about research and advanced concepts for the use of a natural resource, but how does this compare with the daily practice of domestic design and construction? We asked about this from the architect Alexei Ivanov, who attended the symposium together with colleagues from St. Petersburg and employees of VELUX Russia.
It is not the first time that VELUX Russia invites Russian architects to an international meeting, with whom it cooperates on various projects. A significant advantage of Alexei Ivanov was the skills of the English language (special school, work experience in the USA), however, he also complained that, unfortunately, in such a relaxed manner, brilliantly defend their presentation, as speakers from various countries did, only a few could …
Aleksey Ivanov:
It is important for an architect to be able to explain and prove his point of view. It is not always possible to illustrate design solutions with drawings and visualizations. We work with drawings - signs and these signs must be accompanied by explanations. There were interesting, well-choreographed presentations from China, Hungary, Poland.
Archi.ru:
35 speeches in three days, plus discussions … Can you single out the brightest ideas?
A. I.: The general theme was about healthy buildings. If a person spends 90 percent of the time under a roof, how to make natural light work all day? For the building to stimulate a person to be active … At first glance it sounds like a medical theme, but, in fact, many focused on interdisciplinary contacts and social activity of the architect. For example, the British professor, specialist in sustainable development Cohen Steamers showed in which spaces it is easy for people to communicate, to feel harmony. He even called architecture an element of well-being, illustrations were perceived as a manual for face control … It was interesting to know that translucency in Chinese residential architecture has a semiotic meaning, supports the hierarchy and order of space, and therefore is part of national identity. The presentation of the new building by Henning Larsen Architects confirmed the Danes' reputation as masters of the domestication of light … By the way, Norman Foster's partner made an impression: he viewed objects from the point of view of shading. "The excess of light is a problem in the south: there the shadow becomes the hero of architecture."
It seems that they spoke not only about the theme of shaping, beloved by architects …
A. I.: Yes Yes. Including how to find a sense of comfort in dense urban development, when and where to change the planning structure, to arrange houses in a different way so that they catch the light better. That European standards need to be changed, architects and designers should cooperate more closely with doctors in order to understand how the solutions they offer are really useful for a person. And, of course, there were many words about sustainable development. Light is energy, a public resource, the one who knows how to use it to the maximum wins
Still, the Europeans are able to simultaneously talk about humanism and remember about strategic goals. Or are we too accustomed to thinking about oil … Alexey Alexandrovich, how important are such trips for a Russian professional? Or is the effect that happens with a status purchase still more important here?
A. I.: Here it cannot be said that something will immediately be reflected and play in the next project. One thing I know for sure: it is very important for an architect to make such voyages at least once every two years. To the same London. Since my bureau has been engaged, among other things, in the design of villages, low-rise housing for more than 20 years, you involuntarily see examples everywhere on a topic that is close to me. We carried out the first private orders for the development of land plots already in the early 90s, and then it seemed that we would follow the American path of development of the territory, we would create our own low-rise suburbia. In America, I was just doing an internship in the design of such a development. Indeed, in the 90s it was obvious that people were tired of living in a dense residential environment, dreaming of their own home, and this dream can be realized. And for ten years cottage construction has been actively developing
In the 2000s, it became clear: something was not working, there was an overrun, overpayment for construction - the networks were unprepared - in contrast to the country we wanted to be like at that time. But Europe and America during periods of crises managed to prepare a coherent transport infrastructure through public works, and this facilitated subsequent steps. Our budget is eaten up by huge loans for roads. Therefore, "one-story Russia" - not rural - has not yet taken place. The very type of housing has changed from individual houses - to blocked - then to multi-apartment. Suburban construction moved to 3-4 floors, now eighteen-story buildings are already growing. Although in the Urals, in the Kuban, in Siberia, their homes are especially in demand … Let's return to London. There, low-rise housing is actively developing from west to east of the city. This variety of parameters, typologies, approaches is inspiring.
Does this combination look organic?
A. I.: I cannot answer unequivocally. It is known that architects examine other people's work more critically. I've also seen a lot of interrogative things. But it is always important to understand what the budget is, because often, suppose, inexpensive materials provoke the creation of ingenious solutions - this is also valuable. The symposium was held in the old docks of the 19th century - they were reconstructed for exhibitions and similar large-scale meetings, and on the shore one could observe the direct life of residential areas. It is curious how they solve the problem of the first floors, after all, it is no secret that it is not always possible to occupy all the premises with shops, hairdressers and something else. They also make apartments, but they need an additional attraction, in the UK this attraction is provided by tradition: many block houses have terraces or gardens fenced with high brick or stone walls. This does not mean that we will do the same, but information for thought has been received. Navigation: each building has its own name. We paid attention to bus stops: on narrow roads with a natural drain, the fence goes to the outside - the pavilion stands with its back to the road, closes it from possible dirt … The disadvantages are also noticeable: all these houses are from the 80s, finely crushed, 15 years ago they looked cool, now they look awkward
On trips, feelings are heightened, and with intellectually rich communication at a symposium, even more so. You immediately notice much more. Is our customer ready to talk about the same natural light?
A. I.: Not ready yet. This topic - after the economy, the location of the site, and the rest - somewhere in the fifteenth place
Perhaps this is where the eloquence of an architect is needed?
A. I.: It all depends on the specific situation. Light, like color, is a tool in our work, but not the first, additional one. It is commonly believed that this is important for significant public buildings, but not for a private house, alas. Every architect would like to play a game with light, scale, perception, such as
Stephen Hall in Massachusetts. Remember, instead of the usual grid of windows, there are small ones with even steps? The facade is like a giant sponge; inside, streams of light crush the wall from floor to ceiling.
You have received awards, including for the best interiors. In interior projects, did you have to show how the light changes?
A. I.: Not yet. As a rule, light is needed to reveal accents: what to hide, what to reveal in the foreground. Hands do not reach delicate things
Allow me to dream? Perhaps the play of light will form the basis of the concept of some new village?
A. I.: This is a super task! As before, our biggest problem is the lack of professional customers. The person who is engaged in the construction of settlements is usually enough for one project. Well, two. Beginners, on the other hand, count everything on the go. They change the type of houses - the building density changes, which means that the social load, transport, engineering also require recalculation. We have to redesign and re-negotiate. Five years ago there was no such question - how to redesign. But now the financial situation dictates such "flexibility". Now there are fewer fantasies - the resulting 20 hectares are getting tight, no fitness, restaurants (and it was fashionable in the early 2000s)
And you said that the Russian customer is romantic
A. I.: For two years he chooses an architect to his liking, although, it turns out, he needs a planner, and he saw architecture in a coffin. And he does not need 6 acres - let it be 2, if not 10. It is not necessary that with the Russian past, the Russian style has not taken root with us! Neither Bazhenov nor Kazakov want. Miss van der Rohe, Loire castles, chalets - they can choose
But not everything is so hopeless. I see you are drawing illumination of public space. Here is morning, afternoon, evening …
A. I.: We want to show the customer how the view of this place changes during the day. Of course, this is a bonus. We ourselves are interested. Public spaces are open for development around the clock
The London Symposium concluded with a speech by Olafur Eliasson. The world famous artist spoke about some of his projects. He has been successfully working with natural elements for a long time, using light to help viewers feel the space. For him, it is fundamental to encourage the public to active perception and participation. And this knowledge has now taken 350 architects from the London meeting to different countries of the world.
On behalf of Russia, the symposium was attended by:
Alexey Ivanov ("Ivanov's architectural studio ARCHDESIGN", Moscow);
Mikhail Mamoshin, Alla Bogatyreva ("Mamoshin's Architectural Studio");
Marina Prozarovskaya, Egor Lyovochkin (VELUX Architecture and Construction Department)
