From Bauhaus to Our Home by Tom Wolfe successfully portrays the timeline of architecture that has been recorded throughout history. History by definition is “the study of past events, especially in human affairs.” Architecture is constantly shaped by history, almost every structure has some sort of historical influence or inspiration. Wolfe argues that a false ideological sense had hindered the architect's common sense. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In the book From the Bauhaus to Our Home a key theme is "starting from scratch", this, in essence, meant forgetting everything you knew about architecture and creating something of your own or creating your own concept. As stated previously, almost every structure in existence has some sort of influence, a starting point. “Starting from scratch” was what modernist architects believed needed to be done to promote innovative ideas and create progress in architecture. Wolfe argues that people cannot be creative through inspiration. The “starting from scratch” mentality is what led to structures like the Bauhaus. The Bauhaus was created on the basis of the socialist mentality. Essentially, concrete, flat roofs and lack of ornamentation and decoration. The Bauhaus was a response to industrialization and mass production. The Bauhaus was built for the society of equals and does not satisfy the needs of those who do not identify with the socialist party. The buildings Wolfe lamented were all responses to the anti-bourgeois movement, and all were bland structures compared to the previous historical chronology of architecture. Wolfe also highlights the importance of innovation. Throughout history there are many iconic structures that draw on influences from past culture to create new and improved structures that are more functional and eye-friendly. This is innovation at its best, learning from the mistakes of the past. Architects have learned from their past mistakes throughout history, which has helped create the elaborate structures seen today. Architects learn from what has been built around them. As Wolfe said, architects are constantly making decisions based on “what to do” or “what not to do.” In architecture, ideas surround you constantly. The basis of architecture is also an idea. Architecture is “the complex or carefully designed structure of something”, there must be a plan and to have a plan you must evaluate the mistakes of the past. The idea of “starting from scratch” is very difficult and virtually impossible to achieve unless you reverse time and, in effect, start from scratch. Wolfe's thesis is that inspiration is necessary for creativity, otherwise the whole world would be metal and concrete. No creator can “start from scratch” because behind his idea there is always something that was created by someone else. Today's architects are inspired by the modernist architectural style and adapting to the environment given to them. Take the Guggenheim Museum for example: this is an example of adaptation and creativity. Frank Lloyd Wright took inspiration from previous structures of the modernist period and built a unique, cutting-edge structure, drawing inspiration from the architecture of the past. This structure supports Wolfe's assertion that “starting from scratch” is simply not possible. Today's architects still create new and innovative ideas that are influenced by the past while still adhering to modernist criteria. While it may not be traditional Greek or Roman architecture, it is still an idea drawn from historical inspiration. Wolfe's biggest problem with style.
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