Individual Manifesto: Architectural Ruin
Ruin is described as the remains of an object that has been destroyed or that is in disrepair or a state of decay. This fallen state can affect many different aspects of life whether it is physical or even emotional. Relationships, architecture, and even the mind can fall victim to ruin. In my final project I focused specifically on architectural ruin both in the Victorian and modern age, and the way it relates to the topic of ruin in general. Ruin of objects such as buildings and structures is more easily seen and can be recorded and analyzed through physical evidence. By examining this form of ruin it is easier to see the effects and understand the underlying concept. Many of the texts we examined in class display the idea of architectural and ruin, and are helpful in recognizing its true meaning.
In Arthur Symon’s “Studies in Seven Arts,” he describes many different types of ruin including that of Cathedrals. This section of the writing focuses on century’s old architecture and more importantly the ruin that these historical churches succumb to, whether it is in the early phases of their creation or after centuries have passed. Looking closely at the way in which early Cathedrals were built, many were already in a state of ruin before they were even finished. By examining carefully, you can see that not each area is well preserved. Many windows didn’t fit properly, stone was scratched and broken, and the materials failed to be used correctly. This sense of disrepair is considered ruin. A building doesn’t need to be completely disassembled to be thought of as ruined. There are many different phases of ruin, some more worse off than others.
Ruin can describe an object as being in poor condition or it can pronounce something as irreparable, the levels vary. These different levels of ruin can be found in both Victorian and modern architecture. Many people believe that with the technology and materials present today, ruins cease to exist; this, however, is false. The Art Nouveau period, which in many ways was a response to the Industrial Revolution, welcomed new technologies and invited architects and designers to use different materials, such as cast iron. However, even with the highest standards of craftsmen ship of that era, buildings still fell into ruin, much like they still do today. Ruin is not only the decaying of ancient pyramids or the crumbling of Roman temples, ruin is the scorched building you pass on the way to school, or the hurricane stricken town you see on the news. By definition ruin means destruction in multiple forms. By realizing the true meaning behind ruin, you realize that it surrounds our everyday lives in a variety of ways.
Architecture can be ruined in a variety of ways. The building its self may be in fine condition, though what’s inside may cause it to be described as ruined. In both “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” and “La Melinite: Moulin Rouge” the sexuality of women is the main topic of discussion. Women in the 19th century were looked down upon for openly displaying their sexual desires and being sexual in general; these women were pegged as ruined. The ruin of these women, however, also extended to their place of employment and the building in which they resided. The prostitution houses were deemed destroyed by onlookers who did not participate in the services offered inside. The sin that was believed to be taking place inside the walls also extended to the walls themselves. Many types of ruin can potentially be intertwined and one may even cause the other. Ruin depends on the beliefs of the onlooker and what they find to be destroyed or dismantled.
Overall ruin can be described as the devastation or damage of an object, though it comes in many different forms. More specifically architectural ruin, like most other types of ruin, depends on the opinions of its audience and the situation in which it finds itself. One thing that seems to be consistent when it comes to ruin, however, is its presence all over the world and throughout many different centuries. In addition to being seen in multiple scenarios different forms of ruin can be found together, working towards a single goal of destruction. Whether ruin is emotional, architectural or spiritual the underlying meaning is the same; its objective is to ware down its opponent. Architectural ruin is one of the easiest to spot though with an observant eye you can find multiple forms of ruin all around you in various aspects of your life.
(1) Symons, Arthur. “Studies in Seven Arts.” Cathedrals. Google Books. Web. http://books.google.com/books?id=zstAAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=symons&source=bl&ots=UUTptqkoZS&sig=vIG6m7CtRWfq6TsORpCnzJnAaWs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LYpzUNCyDoSQiQL7-YDoDw&ved=0CDkQ6AEwATgU#v=onepage&q&f=false
(2) Greenalgh, Paul & Griffith, Mari. “Introduction to Art Nouveau.” National Gallery of Art. 2000. Web. http://www.nga.gov/feature/nouveau/exhibit_intro.shtm
(3) Symons, Arthur. “La Melinite: Moulin Rouge.” Google Books. Web. http://books.google.com/books?id=RR9HAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA24&ots=8T4k0TzdK9&dq=arthur%20symons%20moulin%20rouge&pg=PA24#v=onepage&q&f=false
(4) Shaw, George Bernard. “Mrs. Warren’s Profession.” Project Gutenberg. Web. http://books.google.com/books?id=RR9HAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA24&ots=8T4k0TzdK9&dq=arthur%20symons%20moulin%20rouge&pg=PA24#v=onepage&q&f=false
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