Saturday, 29 December 2012

Walter Benjamin on Architecture



Harrison, C., & Wood, P., (ed), 2003, Art in Theory 1900-2000 An Anthology of Changing Ideas, USA: Blackwell Publishing. Page 525 -526.

Walter Benjamin.

‘Architecture has always represented the prototype of a work of art’.

‘A man who contemplates before a work of art is absorbed by it. He enters into enters into this work of art....In contrast, the distracted mass absorbs the work of art’. 

‘Buildings have been man’s companions since primeval times.... the human need for shelter is lasting.

‘Architecture has never been idle. Its history is more ancient than any other art, and its claim to being a living force has significance in every attempt to comprehend the relationship of the masses to art’.  

my thoughts on the passage
Architecture is a simple way of bringing art to the masses, buildings are appreciated by two senses, touch and sight, the appreciation of the art of architecture is developed by habit, not attentive concentration or contemplation

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