Ideal Architecture for Central Europe: An Archival Study of German Houses in The Czech Lands as a Reference Source for Contemporary Traditionalism
Abstract
This article examines the ideology of traditionalism particularly through comparisons between existing, proposed and archival material. Special attention is paid to the evaluation on success of architecture through studies on formal and spatial relationship based on spatial models and details created from archival materials.
It argues that excessive modern elaboration on space is a result of the failing style diverted away from basic harmony between form and space following traditional order in general. After examining selected representative buildings, the author chooses the German houses in the Czech Lands as case studies to explore as a comparison with current thinking around building ideals constructed on superficial development of space regardless of shortfalls of form promoted by modernists since the doctrine "Form follows function" was coined.
Instead of the common neglect, transformation or destruction of valuable buildings, the author proposes an alternative solution of using revived tradition wisdoms, which have been proven to secure successful architecture through the test of time, to rebuild significant provincial centres according to the creative and scientific copy principle. The article gives a comprehensive and first hand visualization of solving urban issues by reviving traditional architecture in central European cities.
It serves as an unprecedented pilot study preparing for further research to extend onto broader aspects of urban construction in general such as building material preparation for the future.
