Model of architecture in Karfík’s texts and debates

Marián Zervan

SUMMARY

The paper deals with reconstruction of the paradigm of Karfík’s contemplation on architecture, which he called “opinion world” or “comprehension of architecture”. In reconstruction, he comes from the published monographs, textbooks, journals, debates and his own memories. The author wants to prove that the essence of paradigm of Karfík’s contemplation of architecture is formed by changeable mutual relations in determination of three concepts: architecture, non-architecture, anti-architecture. Vladimír Karfík understood architecture as a concrete result of various components, which representation had been given by the architectural task. Out of these components that have been described in different periods in different ways, the most important task was played by function, construction, economy and beauty. Thus dynamically comprehended architecture was divided from construction and fine arts, more seldom in comparison with industrial design. The concept of anti-architecture was comprehended as the alternative procedures of architecture that disabled its one-sided development. It seems that this concept ensured permanent openess of Karfík’s paradigm and its ability to accept new incentives.

Keywords: paradigm, contemplation, Taliesin, understanding, Vladimír Karfík, reconstruction, architecture, texts, debates