Topic > A comparative analysis of architects Rogers and Wright and their role in urban planning

The aim of the essay is to redefine what public space is by comparing two different projects and the architecture of two different architects. Nowadays, public space tends to be regarded as a mere public space or a space that needs to be developed for the convenience of people. In addition to this, in recent times, public places have increasingly been created by private entrepreneurs. The public sphere no longer belongs to the government. Instead, the private sector and citizens began to get involved. The architect was the one who contributed to the urban development by having an ideal plan and theory. Wright and Rogers, in this sense, are possible subjects of comparison with regards to urban design, especially that of the creation of public space. Furthermore, the modern technology reflected in their designs will be addressed in this essay, which helps to understand how these two architects at the time had built their idea for a new ideal space for future generations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayIt is clear that the function and form of architecture have been constantly changed in response to society. In addition to this, the function and layout of the city have also been changed. In the modern era, architects did not design simple houses for residents, but the entire picture of the city with deep consideration. What is interesting are the different interpretations and experiments of some architects regarding spatial qualities. These can naturally be linked to social issues, such as the environmental problem and the population density problem. It means that modern architects attempt to create a kind of social, physical and ideal space. Le Corbusier, known for his urban plan, proposed a new utopian urban plan. The proposals were unsuccessful. However, the reason his proposal attracted attention is that the plan was not a mere fantastic idea, but a socioeconomic plan. His proposal left room for reflection on the relationship between human and urban development. An aspect of the modern movement, public space is a very interesting topic to contemplate as it plays an essential role in the formation of society. Walzer expressed his opinion that public spaces have different types of definitions. Gehl (1987) suggested that public space could be identified into two typologies, respectively one-way space and open-minded space. The origin of the public space originates from the square. As mentioned above, the square was perceived as the oldest part of the city. Piazza San Marco in Venice is an example of this. It was a social gathering place where people met and exchanged news. This function has now been observed in a number of urban open spaces. So, what did the oldest typology of open space give to the modern era? At the beginning of the 20th century, the world was facing the devastation and destruction brought by the First World War. In architecture, the modernist movement was beginning to take shape, and architects believed that their buildings could help solve the world's problems. With new materials such as glass, iron, and steel made available by the Industrial Revolution, modernist architects went to drawing boards to imagine entirely new cities that upheld utopian ideals and were free of the corrupt bourgeois sentiments often blamed for many of society's dilemmas. Wright is, in this sense, the most coherent American philosopher of the built environment and environmental design. His visionsocial revealed the economy, population density, congestion and dispersion of urban and rural areas which were becoming social issues at the time. His ideal utopian idea addressed somewhat realistic problems and shows that the plan he proposed was considerably radical and attractive. Wright's early architecture, that of the members of the Prairie School, was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement that occurred in Europe. Wright's late architectural style, including Usonian houses which display a remarkable sense of naturalness and ease yet conceptual rigor, appeared to share some aspects of the Prairie style. Louis Sullivan, Wright's mentor, was another influence in the formation of his architectural thinking. Both contemplated the relationship between a new community and democracy. Wright argued that each individual could be agrarianized by receiving one acre per person. Therefore the initial aim of the plan was to achieve democracy and decentralization of people through minimum share of acres. He also stated that there are three main innovations for decentralization and community development. Wright's town of Broadacre was more than just a town plan. He insisted that the current metropolis cannot represent a true democracy, so he sought to establish what it really is and to incorporate its spirit into his ideal project. Was his plan and belief really for the American people? Or was it simply a ridiculous and childish proposal from an American architect? What is obvious is that, as a social thinker, he was trying to redefine what the role of architects is. In his plan, the so-called king of architecture, architects are the agents and manage Broadacre as the owner. In this sense, there are some inevitable controversies to recognize its futuristic political space as public space. He should have tried to find more effective ways if he wanted people to live in a truly democratic society. Furthermore, there were some paradoxical concepts in his plan. However, what is important is that he tried to overcome it and understand it. The project of a new urban society with the realization of democracy through agrarianism was his original idea, which made his architectural language possible. It was a community plan that considered and emphasized the existence of all kinds of elements of society such as institutions, school, etc. As found in Rogers' "A Modern View," his architectural conviction was firm and determined. He was more interested in the innovation and technology offered by the modern rather than the architectural style. He participated in the international competition for an open space in the city center. At the time, the city needed open spaces in the central area to function well as one of the most inspiring cities in the world. Half of the site had been used as public space, so Rogers sought to create space not only for specialists, but also for people from other nations, keeping this in mind. The open space now features a huge outdoor steel structure that serves as a dynamic meeting place offering a variety of activities. The space was intended to be used for commercial as well as public purposes and was successful. It has become the vibrant place where people come and go, meet and reunite; enjoy the space itself filled with music and street parade. The place has become a public space where history and modernity coexist. That is why the Pompidou Center has attracted attention and caused a stir all over the world. The building was positioned taking into account the way people come and go to the place through the old people.