PAPERCALL

TITOLO:

The aesthetic of ‘breathing machines’ in architecture

KEYWORDS:

Architecture, Ventilation Systems, Machine Aesthetic

ABSTRACT:

In the architectural context, a number of machines are utilized to allow the required building performance. Among many existing systems – such as plumbing system, electrical systems, et cetera – one of the most essential is the ventilation system. This latter can be find in many forms and types, such as passive, mechanic or hybrid ventilation systems. These are literally ‘breathing machines’ that allow the correct ventilation and functioning of buildings. Most of the architectural design efforts focus either on hiding or expressing the role of the ventilation systems. This approach seems to leave behind the aesthetic aspect of these ‘breathing machine’ themselves. This work is aimed at investigating three aesthetic approaches of the ‘breathing machines’, focusing on the aesthetic role of the machine itself. The investigation will explore the aesthetic approaches of ‘integration’, ‘expression’, and ‘mimesis’, by describing their aesthetic characteristics and natures, both graphically and verbally. This investigation will allow the discussion of the role of the machine aesthetic within the architectural context, both as mechanical and functional element. The relevance of this investigation is the ability to show the aesthetic opportunities of the ‘breathing machines’ within the overall building design scheme and identity.