A r t 1 0 0

U n d e r s t a n d i n g V i s u a l C u l t u r e

module 12.2

two visions of architecture

agenda

the work of Frank Gehry: how does he see the architect's

responsibility?

the work of Sam Mockbee and the Rural Studio

Sam Mockbee would seem to answer this question

somewhat differently

how does his practice of architecture differ from Gehry's?

exterior view

Frank GEHRY

Dancing House

Prague, Czech Republic

1996

“Fred and Ginger”

Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers

in Top Hat (1935)

exterior detail, fenestration

exterior detail,

glass “corset”

Walt Disney Concert HallDowntown Los Angeles, CA

Completed 2003

the building in context,

downtown Los Angeles

View from street level

View from plaza level

details of exterior cladding

polished stainless cladding

contrasting

sections of

cladding

lobby pillar detail

lobby mezzanine

concert hall

organ

detail with organist in concert

Mormon Tabernacle Choir in concert

SAM MOCKBEE

(1944-2001)

On receiving a Macarthur

“Genius” Award: “I’m no

genius, but I’m smart enough

to take the money.”

4 examples

• Bryant House (Haybale House), Mason’s Bend, AL, 1994

• Harris House (Butterfly House), Mason’s Bend, AL, 1996

• Lucy's House, Mason's Bend, AL, 1997

• Mason’s Bend Community Center, Mason’s Bend, AL,

2000

Mockbee's philosophy

"Critical thought requires looking beyond architecture

towards an enhanced understanding of the whole to which it

belongs. Accordingly, the role of architecture should be

placed in relation to other issues of education, healthcare,

transportation, recreation, law enforcement, employment, the

environment, the collective community that impacts on the

lives of both the rich and the poor."

—Samuel Mockbee, "The Rural Studio," 1998

Mockbee/Coker, The Roger Cook House, Memphis, TN 1994

Roger Cook House,

interior

Mockbee’s evolution

from larger to smaller jobs

from wealthier to poorer clients

from metropolitan to rural areas

Bryant House (Hay Bale House)

Mason’s Bend, AL, 1995

The Bryants told Mockbee and the students that they wanted

mainly two things in a house: a room big enough for a bed and

desk for each grandchild and a front porch to entertain neighbors

and family.

Bryant Houserear elevation

3 culverts adapted and mounted on concrete block to make the 3 small

bedrooms

"Architecture has to be greater than just architecture. It has to

address social values, as well as technical and aesthetic values."

Harris House (Butterfly House), Mason’s Bend, AL, 1996

Samuel Mockbee, Harris House (The Butterfly House), 1996

interior, showing screened and closed living areas and sleeping porch

"Everyone, rich or poor, deserves a shelter for

the soul."

Lucy's House, 1997

three main elements

• a single-story living space,

• a screened-in porch, and

• tower that doubled as a master bedroom upstairs and

tornado shelter/family room downstairs.

what material are

these walls made of?

can you tell?

72,000 individually stacked carpet tiles,

donated for this house

closeup

view of carpet

tiles

The finished house has a living space, screened porch, and bedroom.

Sam Mockbee and the Rural Studio, Mason’s Bend Community Center, 2000

This building features another surprising recycled material. Can you tell what it is?

Detail, interior

interior, during construction

Community Center, illuminated at night

The Rural Studio, Mason’s Bend Community Center, 1997-2001

Richard MEIER

Jubilee Church

Rome, Italy

1996 - 2003

How would you compare Meier's church with Mockbee's aesthetically, technically,

spiritually?