Saturday, 19 April 2014

The Architecture of Man: Our Unthinkable Possibilities

(This is a post attemp via phone, so my apologies if the format goes a little odd)

I've always been fascinated by the links between architecture & the other Arts disciplines, but there is one in particular that captures my interest & imagination above all the others.

Aerial & acrobatic arts is still a relatively new member to the UK arts scene however, this has not hindered its impact & ability to astound. 

For me, it links back to the core principles of architecture. It is an exploration of structure, form & movement, set within a predefined context (be this a piece of equipment or even another human being). 
The human structure has always fascinated me & in this realm it is explored & pushed to its very limits in the most truly inspiring of ways.
(Cirque du Soliel: image from leadingevents.com) 

This interest began some 5 years ago for me, when I began learning Aerial myself. Experiencing first hand this relationship between form & the manipulation  of a relatively 2D object into 3D, it immediately appealed to the architect in me. Just like in any design project you have your site/context (in my case my rope) & you have to interact & create a structure around it, placing one structure within another & adapting them into a feasible & aesthetic form. And just like architecture, it is critical to understand the limits of your materials & context.
(Image from aerailperformers.co.uk)

Without listing every interpretation of this very apparent link, the most interesting way to explore this is to experience it. Whether you see an aerial or acro balance performance, take a class or even simy do a "Cirque du Soliel" google search, you will almost certainly see the fundamentals of architecture in this fascinating art form. While many will tell you it is a blend of art, circus & dance for me this is most definitely Architecture 101. 
(Images from ffaentertainment.comStandard.co.uk,
Itvstudios.com & Smashingreader.com)

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