Studies On The Architectural Notion Of Alison & Peter Smithson

In the last two decades,China's rapid economic development and urban construction had seen the important role played by modern architectural theory and design principles.Understanding modernism architecture is not only a problem of application and operation in architectural practice,but also related to the smooth development of culture and society in the future.From the 1950 s to 1960 s,the modern architectural theory has changed from rationalism to functionalism to pluralism.British architects Alison and Peter Smithson played a key role of connection during this period of change.This paper is on a comprehensive research of the architectural thoughts of Smithson Couple.Through analyzing of their architectural ideas and works,tracing the condition of postmodern architecture after World War II,and exploring the unique character of British culture,the paper summarizes the Smithson Couple's architecture and urban theory and design method and the origin of their ideas from the perspective of modernity and regional tradition.Furthermore,the paper demonstrates the connections in between Smithson Couple's architectural creation and British society,culture,art,and tradition;also concludes their influence on contemporary architecture and the inherent relationship with contemporary architects.The research is expected to provide the useful reference and guidance for China's current architectural practice and theory,and the new perspective for reviewing the core thoughts and the value of the modern architecture.This thesis consists of five parts.Chapter 1 is the introduction to define the research topic and framework,explains the academic foundation,significance,methods and framework of the research.The second part is the analysis and discussion of research content.Chapter 2 discusses Smithson Couple's practicing experiences,ideological development,and major events from the early 1950 s to 2003.Additionally,their main works were examined and analyzed,and their architectural design and thoughts changes after the 1970 s were introduced.The third part is the intensive research.Chapter 3 discusses the development process of modern architectural thoughts in Britain from the late 19 th century to the 1940 s,and it outlines the background of architecture and social development for Smithson Couple's architectural practice.By examining the relationship between Britain and the modernism architectural movement,the fact is uncovered: modernism architecture has no direct relationship with Britain.As the earliest modernized country,Britain provided the ethical foundation for modern architecture in the late 19 th century,but it did not develop its modern architectural aesthetics.After the formation of continental modernism architecture in the 1920 s,it was gradually accepted by British society from the 1930s to 1940s.Chapter 4 is a review of the history of the independent group,including historical background,core characters,main ideas and its development.It points out the influence of the independent group on the Smithson Couple,especially the relationship between the independent group idea and Smithson Couple's "As Found" aesthetics principle.Chapter 5 makes a comprehensive discussion and evaluation on brutalism's formation,development,main viewpoints,design methods,and historical influence.By examining the social background of UK brutalism,the paper studies and compares "as found" aesthetics,Smithson Couple's core thoughts,to clarify the theoretical basis of Smithson Couple's works.Chapter 6 discusses the history of Team X and Smithson Couple's major urban theory,reviews their historic status and role in Team X,and analyzes their urban theory and ideological root.The fourth part is the expansion of theoretical framework.Chapter 7 starts with the characteristics of traditional culture and the history of modernization in British,and makes an analysis on the particularity of British society,culture and art by referring to the latest research production of British history and art history.The fifth part is the conclusion.Chapter 8 comprehensively summarizes Smithson Couple's thoughts,architectural values,design methods,and features of works,and sorts out the relationships between Smithson Couple and contemporary architectural ideas,genres,and architects.At last,it summarizes the inspiration and significance of Smithson Couple's architectural thought to Chinese architectural theory and practice.